Mayor calls for public vigilance

Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher has called on the community to help Council protect public assets against "wanton and mindless acts of vandalism" after the Florida Ave Playground at Woy Woy was "gutted by fire" on the night of August 31.

Gosford Council estimates put the damage to the playground at around $60,000.

Police were investigating the attack in which it was believed that a flammable substance was used to ignite the play equipment and its rubberised ground surface.

"Earlier this year, Point Clare cemetery and part of a Kariong park were vandalised and now this Woy Woy playground has been destroyed," Cr Maher said.

"These savage attacks have struck at the very core of what our community holds most dear and they can only be stopped with community assistance.

"It's time for residents to stand up for their communities by increasing their vigilance of its assets."

Cr Maher said although council had invested over $2 million in the construction of new playgrounds over the last two years, many of the facilities were being vandalised shortly after opening or even during their construction.

"I urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in or around the Florida Avenue Park, or who witnessed the fire on August 31, to contact police immediately," Cr Maher said.

Vandalism, theft or damage to community property, as well as anti-social behaviour, can also be reported to council during office hours on 4325 8222 or after hours on 1800 680 828.

Cr Maher said that, as a public incentive, council also offered a reward for information relating to a conviction for vandalism or malicious damage incidents involving council property.

Council rewards for convictions range from $500 for vandalism or malicious damage totalling up to $1000, to $5000 for damage of $20,001 and above.

The reward becomes payable following the conviction of those responsible.

In some instances, the council may agree to pay a reward in full or part when the reporting of an incident leads to action being taken by police.

People providing information that may lead to a reward must be prepared to give evidence in court.

For further information regarding the reward system, contact council's risk management coordinator Mr Allen Collison on 4325 8341.

Press release, 6 Sep 2007 Marion Newall, Gosford Council