Mount Isa City Council gets graffiti boost

Mount Isa City Council will get a $16,000 grant from the Newman Government as it steps up efforts to rid local areas of graffiti or give a facelift to community facilities.

All of the State’s 73 councils will share in funding for the next four years to ensure public buildings and amenities are looking their best.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said graffiti was costing councils thousands of dollars each year.

“Some communities are more seriously affected than others, but this government won’t confine grants to postcode 4000,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“In line with the Newman Government’s view of empowering local communities, the Mt Isa council will decide how best to use the money.”

“Whether it’s a bridge or a picnic table, locals are proud of their community assets and they don’t want them to be tagged by graffiti vandals,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Councils may also choose to paint a mural on a wall or give a lick of paint to a public toilet.

“Either way, we know the local community will get bang for their buck.”

In conjunction with the grants, Crime Stoppers will run a new State-wide GraffitiSTOP hotline, website and Facebook page so people can alert authorities to new graffiti by phone, text or online.

The initiative will also give Council the opportunity to join with the Department of Community Safety to use community service offenders to help remove graffiti where appropriate.

GraffitiSTOP is now live online and is part of the Newman Government’s Safer Streets and Crime Action Plan.

GraffitiSTOP: 1300 472 334 (6am to 6pm Monday to Fridays excluding Public Holidays)

www.graffitistop.com.au

Facebook: GraffitiSTOP

[ENDS] 5 November, 2012

Media Contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332

                            Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627