FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Release – Monday, 12 September 2005

RTCCC Combats Graffiti – The Scourge of Ringwood

The Ringwood Transit City Community Coalition (RTCCC) is holding a Clean Up Graffiti Day on the 1st of October amid its calls for stronger anti-graffiti laws with Maroondah.

“Graffiti is clearly the scourge of Ringwood,” said RTCCC spokesperson Alex Makin. “Rampant graffiti simply makes Ringwood an unsafe and unattractive location threatening the very appeal of the Ringwood Transit City. The current excessive graffiti makes it difficult to reinvent Ringwood.”

The Ringwood Transit City Community Coalition (RTCCC) in response to community concerns regarding the rampant graffiti is organising a Clean Up Graffiti Day for Saturday the 1st of October from 1:45pm to 4 pm.

“Graffiti which is not removed quickly has a detrimental effect on both residents and businesses within Maroondah. Research clearly shows that the prompt removal of graffiti reduces the chances of further graffiti,” said Mr Makin. “In response to the concerns from businesses and residents alike the Ringwood Transit City Community Coalition will be holding a Clean Up Graffiti Day on the 1st of October”.

“Maroondah Council must do more to put an end to graffiti. This includes the establishment of a toll-free graffiti removal hotline and a commitment to remove graffiti promptly when it has been reported. These concepts are not revolutionary, other municipalities such as Casey have been operating similar programs since 2002,” said Mr. Makin.

“Local ward councillors must play an active role in removing and reporting graffiti to ensure a quick removal. Maroondah Council must lead by example in the removal of graffiti and ensure the future success of the Ringwood Transit City,” concluded Mr. Makin.

The RTCCC Clean Up Graffiti Day will be held on Saturday the 1st of October and will meet at 1:45 pm at the Ringwood Bus Interchange. To register contact Alex Makin on 0409 136 213 or e-mail alex@rtccc.info.

About the Ringwood Transit City Community Coalition (RTCCC):
The RTCCC is a non-profit, voluntary organisation which aims to strengthen community participation and stimulate open and honest discussion regarding the Ringwood Transit City project with the aim of ensuring a cohesive vision for the future of Ringwood.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: ALEXANDER MAKIN ON 0409 136 213

ENDS