Graffiti sanction to offset new laws

Andrew Mathieson
CITY Hall will sanction graffiti on selected public buildings to offset new laws increasing police search and seize powers against alleged vandals.
Police can now issue infringements and fines for possessing a spray can without lawful excuse and for selling the cans to minors.
The new state Graffiti Prevention Act also allows entry to private property to remove graffiti.
Advertisements inciting or promoting unlawful graffiti will be banned in two months under the act.
Councillor Tony Ansett, who chairs Geelong council graffiti taskforce, said the City would supply “control” outlets and locations for graffiti to prevent artists breaking the new laws.
“We’re giving these persons enough opportunities,” he said.
“It’s like (the legal graffiti) in Union Street – you’re able to come on board with us and do it properly and legally.
“You’re better off working in a controlled state because we don’t want you to go the other way.”
Cr Ansett said the City would determine whether proposed graffiti met “the needs of the community”.
Neighbours would be consulted before council approved any graffiti, he said.
“If it’s not council supported, we see it as graffiti because it’s done by an individual who hasn’t had permission to do so.”
Cr Ansett believed that Geelong was “leading the way” against graffiti vandalism despite the city’s police planning to crack down on the practice.
Police inspector Bill Mathers, who is also on the graffiti taskforce, expected the new laws to reduce property damage.
“We hope that with our education and engagement of young people that this will give us another tool in terms of law enforcement to discourage young people from graffiti,” he said.