Peninsula targetted in graffiti campaign

Woy Woy and Umina will be among the first towns to benefit from a new $3 million State Government anti-graffiti program, according to State Labor MP for Peats Ms Marie Andrews.
"Graffiti is a massive community problem and we must all work together to clear it from our streets, homes and public places," she said.
"In my discussions with local families, this issue comes up time and again.
"The State Government has heard the concerns of local families and responded by announcing this plan for the Central Coast."
The Gosford City anti-graffiti package includes a $25,000 high powered graffiti blasting machine and a 72 hour rapid removal program for graffiti at local train stations and sidings.
Local clean-up teams would be made up of young people serving community service orders.
The program will be overseen by Gosford City Council, with the State Government providing transport, supervision and cleaning materials for the clean-up teams.
"These clean-up teams are not only about graffiti removal, they're about teaching young offenders respect for public property," Ms Andrews said.
"These young people will be repaying their debt to the community by cleaning up the damage they did In the first place.
"In addition, from June 1, the NSW Police will include graffiti crime in Operation and Crime Reviews."
The State Education Minister had agreed to contact all school principals on the Central Coast to reinforce Government policy that students caught painting graffiti on school property would be made to clean up the mess, she said.
The program would be reviewed in 12 months.
The, State Government was also considering a ban on Spray paint sales to people under 16; a design requirement for insertion of whistles in spray paint cans, fines for parents whose children are graffiti offenders or vandalise; and rewards for information on graffiti offenders.
"This is a strong step toward eliminating the scourge of graffiti in this region," Ms Andrews said.
"I welcome the State Government's determination to help clean up local streets, and look forward to these teams starting work locally in coming weeks."
The program focussing on 10 graffiti "hotspots" around the State was announced by Premier Mr Bob Carr in Parliament recently.