Graffiti Blitz in Southern Sydney

18 March 2004

The City of Sydney has commenced a four week blitz to remove graffiti from both public and private property in the former South Sydney Council area.

The blitz will kick off a new contract to clean up graffiti in public and publicly accessible areas in Newtown, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Erskineville, Alexandria, Beaconsfield, Rosebery and Zetland. 

The blitz will last for four weeks, but this is an ongoing service for the suburbs incorporated into the City of Sydney last month, and will bring their service standards up to the level enjoyed by residents in the pre-amalgamation City of Sydney area. 

During 2003, the City removed 33,191 incidents of graffiti from the local government area. This graffiti covered an area of almost 200,000m², equivalent to 360 tennis courts.

Following the boundary change in May 2003, the City conducted a four week graffiti blitz in Glebe, Forest Lodge and Kings Cross, removing 5,942 incidents covering 27,845m².

The City inspects graffiti 'hot spots' every 24 hours and removes graffiti within 24 hours from identification, or when consent from the building owner or resident is obtained.

Graffiti from the remainder of the local government area is inspected every 5 days and removed within 24 hours from identification, or when consent from the building owner or resident is obtained.

"The City of Sydney has been at the forefront of efforts to give council's around NSW the ability to remove graffiti from publicly accessible private property" said Commissioner Lucy Turnbull.

"Graffiti is of particular concern to locals in the City's southern suburbs, and over the next month graffiti removal teams will be out in force to clean up these areas, and an ongoing service will ensure high standards are maintained.

"We are committed to delivering better neighbourhoods for residents, businesses and visitors. Graffiti can be unsightly, and this program ensures we identify and remove it quickly for the benefit of everyone" Ms Turnbull said.

To report incidents of graffiti for removal contact the City of Sydney on 1300 651 301.

For further information please contact:

Caroline Bergman
Public Affairs and Marketing
Tel: 0402 351 459