Vandalism of council’s public facilities is on the rise, with public toilets a main target.
Increasing incidents occur during school holiday periods with the cost to ratepayers also increasing each year.
The current cost for South Burnett Regional 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 recently vandalised three nights in a row, with surveillance cameras capturing the persons responsible.
This information has been forwarded to the police for investigation, as are all incidents of vandalism and where a person is identified Council will actively pursue prosecution.
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 and alarming Council’s Security Contractors and Queensland Police to attend the site.
Further investigations are occurring by Queensland Police.
Mayor Brett Otto condemned the behaviour.
“The ongoing vandalism of public infrastructure is costing our ratepayers thousands of dollars every year, it needs to stop,” he said.
“I would encourage the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Police Link on 131 444 or council on 4189 9100”.
Councillor Jane Erkens said vandalism shouldn’t be accepted.
“Vandalism is an issue everywhere, but that does not mean that we should accept it here in our region. The cost is one that we as a community cannot afford,” Cr Erkens said.
“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.”
