Four public spaces in the Tamworth local government area will receive new protection against the scourge of public graffiti after Tamworth Regional Council was awarded a $55,600 grant from the NSW government’s Graffiti Management Grants program.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the funding would allow council to remove graffiti and apply anti-graffiti coatings at Electra Park, Hyman Park, Riverwalk Tamworth and Rotary Park, Manilla.

“Parks and public spaces are so important for healthy communities which is why the NSW Government has provided funding to give council the tools they need to promote further use of these public spaces,” Mr Anderson said.

“This includes cleaning up graffiti in our local, underused public spaces because we know that families are less likely to use our parks if they’re covered in graffiti.”

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW Government’s graffiti management program funds projects that activate public spaces, support local artists and reduce the incidence of crime, like graffiti.

“This funding allows councils to to deliver tailor-made solutions for their streetscapes, drawing on grassroots knowledge and expertise to make public areas safer, more visually appealing and more enjoyable for their communities,” Mr Speakman said.

“I am looking forward to seeing the colour and life that these 23 new projects will inject into streetscapes around our state.”

The objectives of the NSW Government’s Graffiti Management Program include preventing and minimising graffiti vandalism and reducing the social, environmental and economic impact of graffiti vandalism.

Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said that this funding would help Council ensure the public spaces in the Tamworth region remain enjoyable for everyone.

“This funding also aligns with Council’s upcoming review of the Tamworth Regional Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan, which will go on public exhibition early this year”, he said.