A council move to use the wall beneath a Werribee bridge for legal graffiti has drawn a mixed response from residents.
It’s the first wall of its kind in Wyndham, under the Heaths Road bridge, and its aim is to encourage art, but discourage vandalism of public and private properties in other parts of the city.
Residents took to Star Weekly’s Facebook page to share their views on the initiative.
Zaine said the idea was “very good”.
“It gives them at least one space safe for them to do it without fear of getting caught. Hopefully, more of these can pop up,” he wrote.
Trish also labelled the move as a great idea, but others weren’t so excited.
Donald flagged concerns that legalising one wall would lead to more illegal graffiti.
Drew said graffiti should never be legalised in any form … and Stan called the whole idea of giving graffiti artists their own space “a joke”.
Wyndham council’s arts and culture portfolio holder, Cr Tony Hooper, said the wall was already proving a hit with aspiring street artists.
“Whatever your opinions of graffiti, there is no denying that some of the street art created by these artists is truly impressive,” he said.
Kim McAliney, who holds the council’s safer communities portfolio, said giving young people the right to practice street art will help reduce vandalism.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police said police expect the new art wall to be used properly, and asked that people respect the area and also welcome those wanting to use the space for their art works as well.
If offensive material is found on the wall, people are asked to report it to council’s graffiti hotline on 8734 2709.
