Goulburn Mulwaree Council has reported a concerning rise in vandalism over the past several weeks, including the defacement of several public toilets.
In addition, a fire was intentionally lit inside a restroom building, raising serious public safety concerns for anyone using the facilities at the time. These reckless actions not only endanger the well-being of the community, but they also have a significant financial impact, with repairs and damage control already costing the community more than $5,000.
Furthermore, as recently as last week, a fire was deliberately lit on the grounds of the Goulburn Historic Waterworks, highlighting the troubling trend of deliberate destruction of public property. These incidents underscore the urgent need for action to protect local spaces and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.
Scott Martin, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, expressed his concern about the impact of vandalism on the community. He noted, "It's disappointing that these acts divert valuable council resources that could be better used elsewhere, ultimately increasing costs for ratepayers, and in the case of the recent fires, posing risk to our community and infrastructure. We encourage residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the police as soon as possible."
The Council is committed to maintaining the safety and cleanliness of public spaces and urges the community to come together to prevent further incidents. By reporting vandalism and suspicious behaviour promptly, residents can help protect our shared environment and ensure that public resources are used effectively.