Council slams vandals as parks hit across city

Townsville City Council is slamming the recent spate of vandalism across the city as the organisation faces a repair bill of more than $750,000 for repeat damage to dozens of suburban parks.

Mayor Nick Dametto said Council crews were spending more than 100 hours fixing up damage to outdoor electrics, irrigation, lawns, fences and lighting each month.

“Parks and open spaces are built and maintained for everyone to enjoy, but a small handful of low lives are repeatedly targeting them,” Cr Dametto said.

“Metal theft alone costs ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in replacement and staff costs, and it’s dangerous.

“Our city’s critical infrastructure, including streetlights, traffic lights and communication assets are also being targeted by thieves with zero regard for anyone’s safety.”

Earlier this year, the Queensland Government introduced the Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, which is currently before the Queensland Parliament.

Council made a submission to parliament in March this year to support the proposed changes to metal theft-related penalties included in the Bill.

“Our submission supported increased penalties for stealing, wilful damage and receiving tainted property where the offence involves valuable metal items because Townsville locals deserve to know that the infrastructure their hard-earned ratepayer dollars pay for is being protected.

“These crimes not only cost ratepayers, but they can put people’s lives at risk.

“Just this year during Tropical Cyclone Koji metal theft caused widespread telecommunication outages in Townsville’s northern suburbs, cutting critical phone and internet connections for thousands of residents when they needed it most.

“I’m calling on the Queensland Government to enact this legislation as soon as possible, to ensure there is a deterrent that fits the crime in place ahead of the upcoming severe weather season.”

Council’s submission is available on the Queensland Parliament website.

Anyone who sees vandalism should report this criminal activity to Queensland Police via Policelink on 131 444.

If you have information about past vandalism, you can report it anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.