Wilful vandalism a cost to ratepayers

Vandalism of community assets has been condemned by Baw Baw Shire mayor Michael Leaney after two incidents in as many days.
Vehicles destroyed a grassed community picnic area in Walhalla last weekend and then just two days later vandals set fire to a community playground in Biram Drv, Warragul.
Cr Leaney has condemned the two incidents, saying offenders did not realise that vandalism cost ratepayers in dollars and inconvenience.
He said council was often forced to close public infrastructure where damage had occurred until the areas could be made safe for community use.
"People who do this might get a kick from it for a few moments but the impact on communities lasts for some time," he said.
The grassed picnic area below the Walhalla cemetery was vandalised when offenders used a vehicle to do burnouts and damage the lawn.
In a separate incident, offenders set fire to a trolley before pushing it amongst playground equipment at a Warragul neighbourhood park.
The act frustrated the local fire brigade who attended the 8pm call-out last Monday as well as local residents.
Council now working with the playground manufacturer to investigate if the playground, last renewed n 2013, can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Cr Leaney said there had been calls for more CCTV security to be installed in public areas.
"Yes we could install more cameras but that is an added cost to council so how about people don't do the vandalism in the first place. Have a sense of community and respect for public property," he said.
Council is urging anyone with information to contact police.