Parks and Gardens staff at Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC), are dismayed and disgusted by the foolish acts of vandalism being committed in the region’s parks.
Public toilets have been the target for hooligans, particularly at weekends, where electric hand dryers have been set alight, hundreds of rolls of toilet paper burnt or strewn around the areas, garbage bins incinerated, and toilet infrastructure destroyed.
Stadium seating in Cootamundra’s Fisher Park has also been targeted, with seats kicked off the stands and smashed beyond repair.
Signage depicting well known people, who have given so much to the youth and town alike, has been destroyed.
CGRC mayor Cr Abb McAlister, said he was appalled at the damage and the costs associated with repairs and replacement of these items.
The Fire Brigade was called to a park in Cootamundra when vandals set fire to an electric hand dryer. The consequences could have been deadly for the perpetrators.
“These foolish acts, cost us all dearly. There are the replacement costs of electric hand dryers, toilet paper and other items, the time our staff put in to cleaning up and repairing the damage. The money could be spent on improvements on our parks and gardens and reduces the chances of improving facilities,” Cr McAlister said.
“I urge all residents to contact local police if they are aware of suspicious behaviour. Arson is a crime, and these hoodlums are not only risking their lives, they are also destroying facilities supplied for all to use,” Cr McAlister added.
Please report vandalism to Council on 1300 459 689 or Police.
Photos depicting damage in local parks cause disappointment and concern for Council.
Left to right:
Burnt electric hand dryer (fire brigade attended). Smashed seats in Fisher Park. Burnt toilet roll caused damage to seat, walls and dispenser. Toilet paper strewn through a local park. Cost of repair, replacement and time is running into the thousands of dollars for CGRC ratepayers.
