In Yarra, as with most places in the inner city, graffiti is a serious and complex problem.

Each year, Yarra Council removes around 20,000 cases of graffiti and unsolicited bill posters, at a cost of around $800,000.

This accounts for just a portion of all cases of graffiti. If we were to remove all instances of graffiti, the cost would be unsustainable.

This is why we are also focusing on prevention tactics, and supporting the community to remove graffiti from private property. If you see graffiti that’s offensive, defamatory or degrading, please report it and we will remove it.

If you have unwanted graffiti on your property, you can drop in to a council customer service centre near you and pick up a free graffiti removal kit, which include removal spray, brush, gloves and safety glasses. These are available at five different locations in Yarra – find one near you. We can provide discount paint vouchers if needed, and will help remove graffiti if residents are elderly or disabled, or if it’s particularly offensive.

We hold regular free graffiti removal information sessions. Come along to one next week, Saturday 16 February, at Bunnings Warehouse Collingwood from 10am until 2pm.

We’ll be there to answer any questions you may have, as well as hear your thoughts on our new graffiti management plan.

This plan looks at ways we can best work with the community to tackle graffiti together, including:

• When and how we will remove graffiti from Council property.
• Supporting our community to remove graffiti from private property.
• Using alternative methods, including public murals, landscaping and urban design treatments to deter graffiti.
• Working with other agencies, including Victoria Police, to report and monitor graffiti.
• Diversion and early intervention programs for young people at risk of engaging in graffiti.

You can also have your say online, by phone or at Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library on Thursday 14 February.

Find out more about our approach to graffiti in Yarra, and let us know what you think by Thursday 28 February 2019.