The Maroondah Leader has reported on the Croydon Conservation Society’s AGM and Cr. Steve Beardon’s overview of the City of Casey’s anti-graffiti policy.

MAROONDAH councillors hope to use feedback from a public meeting for the city’s graffiti policy review.

Mullum Ward councillor Jo-anne Taylor and Cr Alex Makin, of Loughnan’s Hill Ward, represented the council at the meeting to learn about the City of Casey’s successful crackdown on graffiti.

Community groups must be encouraged to highlight their concerns to government, whether it be local council, state or federal governments. Community groups often have the interest and expertise within issues to provide worthwhile advice.

Cr Makin said he hoped to take up Cr Beardon’s invitation to see the educational program Casey used in schools to educate young people about the consequences and health effects of graffiti.

Graffiti is a growing problem within Maroondah and a proactive response is required:

Graffiti Action Removal team leader Jorg Winkles, who also attended the meeting, is contracted by Australia Post and VicRoads to clean up graffiti.

“We clean up in Maroondah every week Ringwood is on par with the St Kilda Junction. It’s one of the hotspots we’ve identified,” Mr Winkles said.

The Croydon Conservation Society must be congratulated on organising this anti-graffiti information evening and involving Councillors from Maroondah, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges.