Mayor candidate wants more murals on private property to stop graffiti

Newcastle council should be partnering with business owners to paint murals on their buildings in an effort to drive down graffiti, Labor lord mayor hopeful Declan Clausen says.

Pre-polling began on the weekend for the Newcastle lord mayoral by-election, which will be held on Saturday, 18 April.

Cr Clausen wants to tackle graffiti and improve the look of Newcastle's streets by partnering with local property owners and supporting high-quality public art.

"People want to feel proud of their neighbourhoods. Increased graffiti and vandalism undermine that, and it's something we take seriously," Cr Clausen said.

"Public art is one of the practical steps that council can take to make a difference. Murals are one of the most effective ways to prevent tagging. When you invest in quality artwork, our experience shows that it's far less likely to be vandalised."

Under the proposal, the council would expand its use of public art murals across the city by partnering with privately owned buildings or development sites that are frequently targeted by graffiti.

"I want council to partner directly with private property owners to support murals on their buildings, helping keep them graffiti-free while also adding colour and character to our streets," Cr Clausen said.

"My expectation is clear. Council should step up and manage graffiti on its own assets. Government utilities need to do the same on theirs. And importantly, private property owners who are invested in our city also need to step up.

"That's where council can play a role, by working more proactively with property owners and supporting practical solutions like murals, creative hoardings, and community clean up programs."

Cr Clausen also proposed expanding the opening hours at Beresfield and Stockton.

"Our libraries are one of the most important public services we have, but in some suburbs they're only open a few days a week," he said.

"That doesn't reflect how people rely on them for study, work, access to technology, or simply staying connected."

Cr Clausen said he would push for an expanded access model that allow registered members to use library spaces earlier, later and more often.

"Extended access is working well in Lambton, giving people flexibility to use library spaces across the day," he said.

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