What is unauthorised graffiti?
Unauthorised graffiti is the illegal application of graffiti on property which is
- applied without consent of the property owner or
- offensive, obscene, political, or racist in nature.
The ACT Government is responsible for removing illegal graffiti from public property. This is done by:
- inspecting graffiti hotspots weekly
- removing offensive unauthorised graffiti from public property within one business day of reporting
- removing unauthorised graffiti from most public property within 15 business days of reporting.
Get involved
Join our graffiti removal volunteer program to help remove unauthorised graffiti on private assets. We also welcome paint donations from organisations and other groups. Please contact CED.GraffitiCoordinator@act.gov.au
Report graffiti
To report unauthorised graffiti on public property call 13 22 81 or fill out the Fix My Street form.
The ACT Government is not responsible for the removal of graffiti from private property. This includes fences and graffiti facing public land. It is the responsibility of the private asset owner to remove the graffiti.
To report graffiti on non-ACT Government assets please contact:
Electricity poles, street boxes and substations
Report to: Evo Energy or Actew AGL
What is this?
- Electricity poles and street boxes carry and distribute power across the network.
- A substation is a larger facility that converts electricity to the correct voltage for homes and businesses. These are often fenced areas or large green boxes found in suburbs.
Australia Post assets
Report to: Australia Post
What is this?
- Includes post boxes, parcel lockers and other postal infrastructure used to send and receive mail.
Telephone boxes and telecommunications infrastructure
Report to: Telstra
What is this?
- Telephone boxes are public payphones.
- Telecommunications cabinets/pits are usually small ground-level covers or upright cabinets that house cables and equipment for phone and internet services.
Water and sewer infrastructure
Report to: Icon Water
What is this?
- Includes pipes, access covers, pump stations and other infrastructure used to supply water and manage wastewater.
NBN infrastructure
Report to: NBN Co
What is this?
- NBN boxes (also called utility boxes) connect homes and businesses to the National Broadband Network. These are typically small, above-ground boxes located on verges or near properties.
Graffiti on NCA land
Report to: National Capital Authority
This land represents areas of national significance for the Capital, including the National Triangle, Lake Burley Griffin and its foreshores, Anzac Parade, Diplomatic Missions, Commonwealth Park, Kings Park and the Old Parliament House Gardens.
Graffiti on shops and businesses
Please contact the shop owner.
Not sure who owns the asset?
If you’re unsure who is responsible for the asset, you can still report graffiti through Access Canberra, and it will be directed to the appropriate organisation where possible.
To seek police assistance (where there is no immediate danger), please call ACT Police on 13 14 44.
To anonymously provide information about a crime, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Removing graffiti
Although the ACT Government removes graffiti from public places, residents are responsible for removing graffiti from their own property, even if it faces public land.
To report graffiti on public property call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or fill out the Fix My Street form.
How to remove graffiti from Colorbond, brick or wooden fences
Colorbond fence, painted brick or painted wooden fence
Paint over
or
- Apply a small amount of graffiti remover
- Rub with a soft bristled brush
- Wash off immediately
- Once dry, repeat until removed
Unpainted wooden fence
Apply graffiti remover
or
- Rub with a soft bristled brush
- Wash off
- Once dry, repeat until removed
Unpainted brick fence
Apply graffiti remover
or
- Rub with a soft bristled brush
- Wash off
- Once dry, repeat until removed
Tips to consider
- When using removal products always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Wear safety glasses, gloves and use in a well-ventilated area
- Test a small area first to ensure the product is appropriate
- Prepare the surface first by removing dust, grime and flaking paint
- An undercoat may be required to stop the graffiti showing through
- Paint out in full sections instead of just painting over the tag or letters
- Apply to a dry surface only
- Record the paint colour so a match is possible in the future
- Do not allow paint or chemical runoff to enter the waterway