QUICK SUMMARY
Business owners in Cairns express frustration over rampant graffiti and anti-social behavior in the central business district, claiming it drives away customers and incurs high cleanup costs. The Cairns Regional Council spends over $2 million annually on maintenance, but property owners bear the burden of immediate graffiti removal. Local police are increasing patrols to address the issue, but many still feel unsupported.
Business owners in Cairns report that rampant graffiti and anti-social behavior in the central business district threaten their livelihoods and the city's tourism image. The Cairns Regional Council allocates over $2 million annually for maintenance, including graffiti removal, but property owners must act quickly to remove tags to prevent further vandalism. A spokesperson for the council emphasized that unauthorized graffiti is vandalism, while commissioned street art receives support. Queensland Police have acknowledged the issue and increased patrols, including mobile, foot, and bicycle units, to deter criminal activity. However, many local business owners feel the financial burden of cleanup falls disproportionately on them. They argue that the courts should impose harsher penalties on repeat offenders to discourage vandalism. The frustration resonates with traders who want a city free from graffiti's negative impact. As Mr. Betros noted, this problem is not unique to Cairns and reflects a broader global challenge.