Chamber welcomes graffiti law

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the passing of the new Graffiti Control legislation that will regulate the sale of spray paints, saying it will potentially reduce graffiti on the Peninsula.

Under the new legislation, police will be given new powers to issue on-the-spot fines to retailers who fail to properly secure their spray paint cans or who sell spray paint cans to persons under 18 years of age.

"The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce fully supports the new Bill as it is imperative to tighten up and consolidate the existing laws particularly the provisions of the Summary Offences Act 1988," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"It's about time that the legislation sought to regulate the sale of spray paint.

"This was essential to lessen its availability to young offenders.

"The chamber also welcomes the move to allow authorities to issue penalty notices for the offence of selling spray paint cans to minors and for the offence relating to the unsecured display by retailers of spray paint cans.

"Any strengthening of the laws has to be a positive step, however, this all depends on the courts ensuring that they are tough on offenders.

"It's pointless giving the police and authorities stronger laws if you can't get the courts to act on them."

The Chamber's mainstreet coordinator Ms Debra Wales said Woy Woy is a particular target for graffiti offenders because of the lack of street activity at night and the town is easily accessed by rail.

"We hope when the CCTV cameras are installed in March this will go towards identifying the culprits and act as a tool for the police as well as acting as a deterrent," Ms Wales said.

Ms Wales said the chamber was in the early stages of developing a community project to battle graffiti in the local area.

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews said she also welcomed the new legislation.

"The Rees Government is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour and giving police and courts the power to enforce the law with regard to crime against the community," Ms Andrews said.

"Young offenders will be forced to clean up the damage they have caused and there are fines and up to six months' jail for young offenders caught damaging property.

"Among key reforms in this bill are that it makes it illegal to possess implements such as marker pens or etching instruments with the intention of using them to damage or deface premises or property.

"Gosford Council has benefited from the State Government's tough stance on graffiti, with funding of $65,000 being provided to the council last year for a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Project."

Following a recent graffiti attack in the Bays area, The Bays Community Group vice-president Mr Greg McMullen said he did not understand why "morons" would go around defacing other people's property for the sake of it.

"In late October this year, some imbecile decided they did not like the look of the Banyo Cl bus shelter," Mr McMullen said.

"As you would understand, those of the Bays community who helped in painting this and all the other Bays bus shelters (many of them local kids and teenagers) are furious with this person or persons.

"Any moron can handle a spray can but a real artist knows how to show their talent properly.

"A lot of planning and hard work has gone into each one of the Bays bus shelters.

"Let us all take some pride in how fantastic an area we live in."

Press release, 5 Dec 2008 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Press release, 3 Dec 2008 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford Newsletter, 15 Dec 2008 Greg McMullen, The Bays Community Group