A “scourge” or an opportunity? Council set to consider extra $200K investment in cleaning up graffiti across Whitehorse

“It’s clear that the scale and the complexity of graffiti, particularly on private property and non-council assets, is outpacing our current capacity.”

Matthew Sims
September 11, 2025

Over the last 10 months, Whitehorse Council removed 8,600 square metres of graffiti. Now, it is considering ramping up its efforts - and investments - even further.

Making moves: At Monday’s council meeting, an updated Graffiti Management Policy - outlining current graffiti prevention and removal works and options moving forward - was brought before the council for approval.

Whitehorse councillor Ben Stennett moved an amended motion, seeking a broadening of the policy to focus on creating authorised street art projects and the removal of graffiti from council assets.

During the debate, Whitehorse Council deputy mayor Prue Cutts described the current prevalence of graffiti across the region as “a scourge on our modern day society”.

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Additional costs: The motion would see the council consider spending an additional $200,000 in the 2026/27 budget to hire a new staff member to tackle the issue, as well as purchase a vehicle designed to clean up graffiti and additional clean-up equipment and materials.

Current clean-up efforts: Whitehorse Council currently employs two graffiti removal officers and five township cleaners across each of the major retail areas.

The council has existing arrangements with the Department of Justice and Community Safety through Community Correctional Services for graffiti removal.

Community help: When there is a request to remove graffiti from a private property, council officers can consider providing a graffiti removal kit or paint voucher to the property owner – or may assist to remove the graffiti if appropriate.

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“Pedestrians have no choice but to interact with motor vehicles.”

Highlighting talent: Councillor Ben Stennett said moving towards endorsing and investing in public art projects, including murals, gives the council “the opportunity to tailor creative solutions that still respect the unique neighbourhood character of Whitehorse”.

Funding split: The possibility of additional funding in next year’s budget was met with the most pushback from councillors, with seven councillors in support and four opposing.

What happens next? With the council now endorsing the updated policy, staff will get to work integrating it into ongoing graffiti prevention and removal efforts. Work will also begin around formally including the additional $200,000 in budget considerations for the 2026/27 financial year.