Graffiti grips town

Cardinia Shire councillors believe graffiti across the shire is an epidemic.

By GARRY HOWE

CARDINIA councillors concede that graffiti has become so bad, particularly in Pakenham, that it is contributing to a feeling of unease over public safety.
Councillor George Blenkhorn told Monday night’s special council meeting that the social scourge had reached plague proportions and was making Pakenham look like a second class town.
The revelation came to light during debate on whether to allow Cr Jodie Owen, who chairs council’s graffiti reference group, a $3030 advance on her professional development expenses to attend the Zero Graffiti International 2014 Conference in Arizona, USA, later this month.
Councillors granted the cash advance on the strength of Cr Jodie Owen’s passion for the cause, despite some reservations about going global on the issue.
“Personally, I do not support international travel and as a rule Cardinia councillors do not travel overseas,” Cr Brett Owen said.
“However, graffiti is a big issue, particularly in Pakenham, and people are in fear of their safety there.”
He pointed out that $27,000 a year was put aside for personal development – $3000 for all nine councillors – and that only $11,000 of this had been spent.
“This request fits with the current councillor expenditure and entitlements package.”
Cr Brett Owen said part of council’s role was to work with the community and police to address this issue, which he suggested was a symptom of being in a growth area.
The overseas travel did not sit well with Cr Tania Baxter, who said she was concerned at public perception and didn’t want overseas travel to be considered the norm.
“Not only must something be good, it must look good as well.
“I wish Jodie well and I am not having a go at any individual,” Cr Baxter said.
“She is taking it out of next year’s allocation and is contributing to some of the costs herself.”
Cr David Young said no resident could deny that graffiti had become a real problem.
“It costs the council, businesses and the community as a whole … a lot of money is spent removing graffiti,” he said.
“It is important we take advantage of information when it is available. This issue is dear to the heart of Jodie Owen, who has put a lot of time into this space since elected to council,” he said.
Cr Kate Lempriere said council recognised it was important to do something about the problem and take steps toward achieving a graffiti-free city.
“I am positive we will get a positive outcome from this,” she said.
Cr Blenkhorn said that going to conferences was useful, not only for the sessions, but even more so for the informal chats with attendees outside the sessions.
The cost of attending the conference was put at $3223 and, as Cr Jodie Owen had already spent $2708 of her yearly allowance, an extra $3030 had to be approved.
Councillors agreed to the advance unanimously.
Councillors Jodie Owen and Collin Ross, who has come under fire in the past for his personal development expenses, withdrew from debate.