Security is to be escalated at one of Port Stephens’ most popular tourist spots – the Tomaree headland in Tomaree National Park.
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The news follows a series of senseless acts of vandalism at the popular walking trail, which included some racially offensive graffiti in the gun emplacements early in the new year.
A spokesperson for the Office of Environment and Heritage said that the latest graffiti had occurred around January 5 and was removed by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff on January 9.
“The graffiti seen at the gun emplacements within the WWII fortification sites at Tomaree Headland has been removed, and has been reported to police,” the spokesperson said.
“All graffiti and vandalism in our parks is a concern and places additional pressure on NPWS resources to clean up these incidents, taking time away from improving and maintaining our parks.”
Under the Graffiti Control Act 2008 (NSW), marking property can attract a fine up to $440, or, for an aggravated offence, $2200 or 12 months imprisonment.
The spokesperson said that NPWS’ priority was to ensure its parks were well-presented for the public to use, and subject to operational demands, would aim to clean up graffiti within a week.
“NPWS is keen to work closely with the community to reduce vandalism and protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage, and urges graffiti be reported to the police helpline on 131 444,” the spokesperson said.
“The park has surveillance cameras at various locations which are a deterrent as they can identify offenders.”
In addition, the Port Stephens Graffiti Action Team has a policy to remove graffiti as soon as it is reported.
A voluntary group that has been operating on the Tomaree for 10 years with representatives stretching from Soldiers Point to Anna Bay and Fingal Bay, the action team works in conjunction with the council.
“Our policy is to remove graffiti immediately it is discovered, so anyone finding graffiti can phone our convenor on 0412 578 570 and we will endeavour to remove it as soon as possible,” a spokesperson said.
The Tomaree National Park including the headland receives approximately 200,000 visitors per year and is maintained and serviced weekly by NPWS staff.
The NPWS spokesperson said that Tomaree Coastal Walk received NSW government funding of $7 million in 2018 for major redevelopment and interpretation of Tomaree Headland, gun emplacements, additional viewing platforms; and redesign of the walking track to Birubi Point to enable NPWS to stabilise the gun emplacements and increase security, while installing more visitor and interpretive facilities.