Eyesores to go at entrance to Port, while street artist proves murals work

DAMON Moroney is proof that a solution can be found to the unsightly graffiti adorning public buildings, bridges and abandoned homes around the Hastings Valley.

He’s the street artist from Iknograffix responsible for parts of the Phillips Lane makeover in Port Macquarie, some of the Walls of Wauchope, and a new mural at the Hastings Secondary College campus – among many other public artworks.

He reckons murals “work 100 percent” in deterring offenders.

“They aren’t being tagged because young people have a mutual respect for them,” he told News Of The Area.

Damon is working with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to install murals on some of the LGA’s worst visual eyesores.

The pump station at the bottom of Munster Street in Port Macquarie is next on his list.

He hopes to enlist young artists to join him on that project.

Also helping Council tackle the problem is Tony McEwen, who removes graffiti on a contract basis.

“Any Council items need to be reported,” he reminds residents.

A spokesperson for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council said the best way to report graffiti is to go to the “Report an Issue” page on Council’s website – pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Report-an-issue.

“This website is relevant for just about anything – including graffiti.”

Part of the problem is knowing who owns the property plastered in often offensive language and images.

A shout-out on social media revealed a long list of eyesores that residents have been waiting years to see removed.

These are not only on Council buildings, but also on state-owned land and facilities, and private businesses and homes.

The derelict homes on Gordon and Munster streets are high on the wishlist, as are industrial properties, fencing and vacant land.

Gail Veronica is urging Council and Police to “get the job done”.

“How long have Wauchope businesses and residents been putting up with it?”

Tomo Morton shared a post of the elevator heading up to the rooftop at Coles Port Macquarie, which is literally covered in graffiti, as are the carpark stairwells at Port Central.

Graham Johnstone said he has reported the Buller Street underpass multiple times, and is still waiting for graffiti to be removed.

“The colourbond fences between the hospital roundabout and all the way along to the school [are] not a good look or good first impression when entering town,” shared Jodi Atkins-Franks.

These are a state responsibility, with Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer confirming the good news that they are about to go.

“The disgraceful fencing along the Oxley Highway between Wrights Rd and Fernhill Road is set to be either replaced or repaired,” he said.

“As the gateway into Port Macquarie, the condition of the fence is appalling and shows a severe lack of pride in the entrance to our beautiful town.

“Many people have raised this issue with me after sitting in traffic congestion and they want it fixed.”

Mr Dwyer has met officials from Transport of NSW and said a procurement order has been raised to purchase new fencing.

But before this work can be carried out, a number of overhanging trees along the road reserve need to be removed for the safety of workers.

This will be carried out at night with Transport for NSW working closely with Essential Energy and Council.

“The overall appearance of the road reserve with overgrown weeds and vegetation also needs to be addressed and better maintained,” Mr Dwyer said.

“I will continue to advocate for this work to be done as soon as possible and will keep our community informed on any progress.”

The general state of the town’s parks and roadsides is a common concern.

However, responsibility is also split between various owners.

Council’s Director of Community, Planning and Environment Melissa Watkins, said parks, gardens and roadside vegetation maintenance is regularly reviewed and “prioritised in accordance with Council’s parks hierarchy and available resources”.

The weekly urban mowing schedule is available on the Council website at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Places/Sport-Recreation/Weekly-urban-mowing-schedule.

If community members want to report areas in need of maintenance, they should go to the “Report an Issue” page.

By Sue STEPHENSON