A Hume councillor is calling for CCTV cameras to be installed at a Craigieburn playground after it was attacked by vandals for the third time in six months.
The Livvi’s Place playspace at Craigieburn Anzac Park was covered in graffiti some time between September 29 and October 1.
The playground cost $1 million to build and is an initiative of the Touched by Olivia Foundation, providing a space for children of all ages and abilities to play side-by-side.
It opened in March this year.
Cr Joseph Haweil said he was outraged to find the playground’s slides, tunnel, footpath, benches and bins were covered in graffiti when he visited it on October 2.
“I think it is disgusting to be honest … it will be confronting for families,” he said.
“I think that people who do this kind of stuff are quite selfish.”
Cr Haweil has called on the council to install CCTV cameras at the playspace to deter others from vandalising it.
Mayor Drew Jessop said the clean-up bill for the latest graffiti is expected to cost more than $5000.
He said that while Livvi’s Place was fully gated and locked in the evenings, the council will investigate further security measures, such as mobile surveillance.
“Targeting a place which has been built to enable children of all abilities to play, learn and be independent is the lowest form of vandalism,” Cr Jessop said.
“We need residents to help reduce vandalism. If residents report all vandalism, we can identify a possible trend. We want to know when and where it occurs. Then we can take better actions to reduce vandalism.”
Anyone with information about vandalism in Hume’s parks is urged to contact police, as well as the council on 9205 2200.
