Graffiti back on rail bridge

Vandals deface infrastructure again

IN TERMS OF TACKLING TAGGING AND GRAFFITI COMPARED TO OTHER PLACES, WE’RE MILES BEHIND CLEANING UP OUR TOWN.

ANTI-graffiti campaigners are calling on V/Line to install better fencing around a Geelong rail bridge after it was repeatedly targeted by vandals.

Resident Dennis Blake said the Moorabool St bridge had again been tagged only months after a hard-fought campaign to clean it up.

“Instead of putting up a deterrent like razor wire, it’s been tagged again,” Mr Blake said.

“It’s very disappointing to look at.”

He said a longer term solution would help prevent the issue from worsening in the future.

“In terms of tackling tagging and graffiti compared to other places, we’re miles behind cleaning up our town,” he said.

A V/Line spokesman encouraged anyone who witnessed vandalism to contact local authorities, but did not comment on the prospect of

DENNIS BLAKE

further measures being taken.

“We regularly monitor the network for acts of vandalism, and have a program of works in place to remove graffiti, including from South Geelong’s iconic Moorabool St rail bridge,” he said.

“Vandalism in the rail corridor is not only an eyesore but extremely dangerous and we strongly encourage anyone who witnesses these unlawful acts to contact Victoria Police or Crime Stoppers with information.”

It is understood the location of the graffiti means its removal requires coordination with train services over the bridge and traffic underneath.

Volunteers said the extensive tagging present last year was “appalling” and offputting for visitors.

“To see it, I feel absolutely appalled and let down as a person who has lived in Geelong for decades and as an excouncillor,” Mr Blake said last year.

“V/Line needs to foot the bill for the clean up.”

The regional rail operator’s annual report said it delivered $151m on improvements and maintenance works last financial year, making mention of the Moorabool St bridge.