Victoria
Casey Council demands state reimbursement for graffiti removal
Casey Mayor Michelle Crowther says local contractors are cleaning up graffiti on state-owned properties at the expense of municipal ratepayers.
The City of Casey is seeking financial reimbursement from the Victorian government for expenses incurred while removing graffiti from state-owned properties.
According to a wire report, Casey Mayor Michelle Crowther stated that council contractors are frequently cleaning sites that are legally the responsibility of the state government. The local government argues that municipal resources are being diverted to maintain assets that do not fall under its jurisdiction.
Specific details regarding which state-owned sites are most affected by the graffiti, or the precise cost of these cleaning operations to Casey ratepayers, have not been publicly disclosed. It is also unclear how long the council has been covering the costs of these cleanups, or which state departments control the targeted properties.
Typically, state infrastructure, including railway corridors, main roads, and public housing assets, falls under the maintenance remit of various state agencies. However, councils often face pressure from local residents to address unsightly graffiti quickly, regardless of property ownership.
The state government has not yet publicly responded to the funding request, and it is unknown whether formal negotiations between the City of Casey and state representatives have commenced. Municipal authorities have historically raised concerns about cost-shifting, where local councils absorb the expenses of services or maintenance duties previously managed by state bodies.
The City of Casey, located in Melbourne's outer south-east, is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Victoria, meaning its local infrastructure budget faces constant pressure.
Observers will be watching to see how the Victorian government responds to the council's call for reimbursement and whether other metropolitan councils join the campaign.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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