By James Stevenson and Candice Dixon, Bond University Journalism Students.
The management associations of Varsity Lakes, the Broadbeach Police, and Gold Coast City Council facilitated a Graffiti Audit on June 21 where 180 instances of graffiti in Varsity Lakes were noted.
The audit invited residents and community leaders to an outdoor morning meeting to voice concerns and present potential solutions about graffiti.
Varsity Lakes resident Anita Eldridge said graffiti is an issue that several suburbs are facing.
“It’s a problem everywhere…and it has a negative effect on property value,” she said.
Delfin Lend Lease coordinated the event, recruiting 20 volunteers via Varsity Lakes Online and other methods to inspect the neighbourhood.
The results of the audit are now in the hands of the police to assist in crime prevention.
Eldridge also said the way in which this issue is handled will make all the difference.
“We need to take a community approach to look out for vandals and prevent graffiti,” she said.
Over all, the effort of the audit was a successful attempt to “keep Varsity Lakes the best place to live, work and play…”
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