‘Colourful’ graffiti vandals told to clean up their act

Alexandrina Council Chief Executive Officer Nigel Morris has openly addressed graffiti vandals who recently defaced several Goolwa public toilets and left ratepayers with the bill.

The offensive language clearly taking aim at council was found painted at Richard Ballard Reserve, and the Goolwa Wharf, Goolwa Railway, and Rose Garden toilets.

In an open letter shared to social media, Mr Morris expressed his extreme disappointment at the culprit/s actions, which have cost the community and local businesses both time and money.

“It is clear you are attempting to send a message to council, but the hurt you may want council to experience is also experienced by the community, businesses, and visitors to our beautiful region,” he wrote.

“I wish to bring to your attention your actions not only take council’s resources away from other core services to clean up the mess, but also affect the community who ultimately pay for these resources through their rates to perform this work.

“Your graffiti distracts visitors that use our public toilets from returning to the district, which may ultimately affect income going to local businesses that support local employment.

“I, as a dad of a young family, also find it appalling you would subject your colourful language to unexpecting users of the toilets.”

The Goolwa Railway toilets were the only non-council-owned facility impacted, leaving the cost to fall on the shoulders of the community group tasked with its care.

Mr Morris implored the person/s responsible to think about their actions.

“If there is something that’s troubling you and you want council to pay attention to your needs or suggestions, I invite you to have the courage to come and meet with me to explain what change you would like to see,” he wrote.

“Let’s have an honest and robust discussion without the colourful language, instead of continuing the suffering you are causing others.”