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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 14 Hansard (11 December) . . Page.. 5305 ..

Incorporated document

Attachment 1

Document incorporated by the Minister for Urban Affairs

what is the role of the graffiti clean-up team?

is it government policy to let that team make the decisions?

when making decisions do the team work with youth groups, youth workers, and consult with them about what they are doing, considering the hours of work that go into these graffiti art pieces?

in relation to the Bunda Street redevelopment, as some legal spaces will be lost is it intended to provide more spaces?

Mr Wood the answer to the Member's question is as follows:

By way of background there are currently 59 legal street art and mural sites, which are currently used or have been approved for use by artists in the ACT (refer attachment). There are also numerous other potential sites, however these have not been fully investigated.

The department undertakes a formal consultative process when identifying and approving street art and mural sites. Artists generally identify potential sites and approach Canberra Urban Parks and Places (CUPP) to seek approval for a legal art or mural site. The department contacts the owner of the asset to obtain their approval, and if the proposed art site is visible from adjacent residents or other buildings, then residents and owners of these leases are also consulted. If the asset owner, adjacent residents or leaseholders do not support the art site then it is not approved.

Alternatively, if an artist is unable to suggest a street art or mural site, the department will investigate potential art sites that will suit their requirements and suggest these to the artist. Each site is treated on a case by case basis, as the site not only has to have a suitable surface to hold the paint, it must also meet the artist's requirements and be acceptable to the adjacent community.

The graffiti clean up team is responsible for the inspection and removal of graffiti from all ACT Government assets within urban open space, which have not been approved as outlined above. This includes shopping centres, memorials and fountains, parklands, sportgrounds, pavilions, toilet blocks, barbeques, park furniture, skate parks, playgrounds, planter boxes, irrigation control boxes, log barriers, storm water drains, paved areas, road signs, light poles etc.

Graffiti with offensive words, images and messages and any reported incidents by the public must be removed within twenty-four hours of observation or notification. In all other cases graffiti is be removed within three working days.

The ACT Government also provides funds for the removal of graffiti by Government contractors from private properties. However, the graffiti contractors must seek approval from the leaseholder prior to the removal of the graffiti. Graffiti is not removed where a leaseholder does not approve its removal.

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