Monday, 18th November 2019

LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTS PAINT THE TOWN PROUD

Residents are now able to enjoy newly transformed public places across the Latrobe Valley courtesy of $30,000 from an Andrews Labor Government Graffiti Prevention Grant.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing was in Moe today to visit Narracan Drive, a bridge and major entry road linking Moe and Newborough that is used by more than 13,000 drivers a day.

Previous graffiti hots spots in Morwell, Moe, Traralgon and Newborough have been transformed with colourful murals to help reduce anti-social behaviour and attract more people to use public spaces under the Back on Track Graffiti Prevention Project.

The project targeting illegal graffiti vandalism has seen 33 murals installed across the four locations by a team of artists, led by Melbourne street artist and project manager Jesse Toby. Together, the team also delivered anti-graffiti programs to educate, mentor and engage up to 20 local youth.

The Waterhole Creek Bridge on Princes Drive in Morwell had 220 new trees planted, in addition to new murals of endangered Gippsland species, involving local Koori artists.

Priestly Park in Traralgon and Newark Avenue in Newborough also benefitted from inspiring, colourful murals and beautification works.

The Narracan Drive site is now home to 240 new plants and a number of new murals dedicated to highlighting the plight of vulnerable native animals.

Supported by Morwell Neighbourhood House, Berry Street, The Gathering Place and Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault, the project resulted in more than 450 square metres of graffiti removed from the four locations.

Latrobe City Council also contributed more than $37,000, which went towards clearing project sites of dumped rubbish, long grass, abandoned shopping trolleys and dead trees.

Since 2016, the government has provided more than $2.2 million under the Graffiti Prevention Grants to support 111 projects across Victoria, including more than $80,000 for three projects in the Latrobe City government area.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing

“Removing graffiti and improving local streetscapes and environments has a positive and immediate impact on perceptions of safety, frequency of use and improved local pride, and these projects are no exception.”

“The work undertaken as part of these grants has also continued to raise awareness of the impacts of graffiti vandalism on the community.”