By Deanne Jeffers
PERSISTENT acts of vandalism in Tatura are causing growing frustration across the town, with several public toilets now closed, including toilets at Mactier Gardens, Tatura Park and Stuart Mock Place.
Residents say anti-social behaviour is becoming increasingly common in what was once considered a quiet country town. Concerns have escalated following repeated incidents of criminal damage to public facilities and the recent theft of the Australian flagpole at Mactier Gardens ahead of ANZAC Day.
The impact is also being felt by local community groups. Last month, the Tatura Bowls Club was broken into, with offenders smashing a window and stealing drinks from the club’s fridge. While the club has replaced the window at cost, long-time member Jason Carter said the incident had left many in the community disheartened.
“I’ve been in Tatura all my life and I’ve never known it to be this bad,” he said, reflecting on the recent spate of destruction across the town.
Greater Shepparton City Council has expressed disappointment by the recent acts of vandalism, with incidents reported to Victoria Police.
Midland Ward Councillor Rod Schubert said the repeated acts of criminal damage at public facilities were unacceptable.
“The broader community is understandably angry and frustrated at seeing these repeated acts of vandalism continue,” said Cr Schubert. “People are tired of watching valuable community assets damaged and destroyed by irresponsible behaviour that achieves nothing but inconvenience, expense and disappointment for everyone else.
“These facilities are provided for the benefit of the entire community, including families, children, sporting groups, visitors, volunteers and the elderly residents who rely on clean and accessible public amenities when attending parks, events and recreational areas throughout town,” Cr Schubert said.
“As a direct result of this senseless behaviour, the toilets are now inoperable and will require considerable time and expense to repair before they can be reopened.
“In the meantime, local residents and visitors are left inconvenienced … and Council staff are once again forced to divert time and resources away from other important works to deal with avoidable acts of vandalism.
“Ratepayers should not have to continually bear the financial burden caused by the selfish and destructive actions of a small number of individuals who clearly have no respect for community property,” said Cr Schubert.
“Every dollar spent repairing vandalised facilities is money that cannot be spent improving roads, playgrounds, sporting facilities, parks and other essential community services across our district and in our town.”
Cr Schubert is calling for CCTV to be established in Tatura, to help protect public amenities and to promote public safety.
He encourages anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity, or who may have information regarding who is responsible, to report it to authorities.
If you’ve got information, report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersvic.com.au.
