May 4, 2023
South Burnett Regional Council has called for community support to curb rising vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the South Burnett.
A spokesperson said vandalism of Council’s public facilities was on the rise, with public toilets the main target.
“Increasing incidents occur during school holiday periods with the cost to ratepayers also increasing each year,” the spokesperson said.
“The current cost for Council to clean up the vandalism has already exceeded the cost from the previous financial year, with two months still remaining.”
Reg McCallum Park in Nanango was vandalised three nights in a row recently, however surveillance cameras captured images of the people responsible.
“This information has been forwarded to the police for investigation,” the spokesperson said.
“Surveillance systems are in place in certain facilities to help capture the culprits of these acts of vandalism, however increasing vandalism can result in a reduction in opening hours at certain public facilities to reduce the risk to the public.
“Murgon Swimming Pool was vandalised twice in one night, triggering the kiosk security alarm system.”
Council’s security contractors and police attended the site and investigations are continuing.
Mayor Brett Otto said the ongoing vandalism of public infrastructure was costing ratepayers thousands of dollars every year.
“It needs to stop. I would encourage the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Police Link on 13-14-44 or Council on (07) 4189-9100,” Mayor Otto said.
Cr Jane Erkens said vandalism was an issue everywhere.
“But that does not mean that we should accept it here in our region,” she said.
“The cost is one that we as a community cannot afford. I was especially upset at the damage done at Butter Factory All Inclusive Park.
“The community raised a great deal of funds to refurbish this park and it was very disappointing to see the hard work of community members disrespected in this way.
“As a community we need to report any unsociable behaviour.”
(Photo: SBRC)
Unfortunately, vandalism has always been and will continue to be an issue. Regrettably, there’s no easy method to stop it. These acts of vandalism and stupidity add costs to Council’s budget and significant inconvenience to users. Today’s technology, strategically positioned, provides a greater opportunity to identify the culprits and allow Police and the Courts to do their work.
Personally, I’d encourage Council to continue to invest in more surveillance systems of public facilities if this was considered to act as a method to catch the offenders.
Council would have a strong case to move in this direction.
Appropriate signage to state that the facility is under camera surveillance may also act as a deterrent.