CCTV boost in Bondi to fight racist graffiti
Liberal candidate for Wentworth Dave Sharma announced a re-elected Morrison Government will invest $143,000 in enhanced CCTV at Bondi Beach to fight back against a recent spate of racist graffiti along the famous promenade.
Councillor Sally Betts, Dave Sharma and Isabelle Shapiro checking the Bondi art wall.
Dave Sharma was joined on Tuesday by NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Acting President Isabelle Shapiro at the Bondi Promenade where swastikas and racist phrases were painted across several murals last week – the second time in just over two months.
“What has happened here recently is part of growing antisemitism worldwide and the Coalition Government has acted fast in committing to improve security on the Bondi promenade with enhanced CCTV,” Mr Sharma said.
“Recent acts of antisemitic vandalism have no place in our country. Their hatred and intolerance is intended to divide us. These enhanced security measures should act as a deterrent and allow law enforcement agencies to prosecute fully these crimes of hateful bigotry.”
In 2016 similar antisemitic graffiti was found at multiple locations along Bondi Beach and Campbell Parade.
The funding is part of the Federal Government’s Community Development Grants Programme, which was set up to support infrastructure needed to promote stable and secure local and regional communities.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Vic Alhadeff welcomed the announcement: “There has been an alarming spike in antisemitic incidents across Sydney in recent weeks, including a despicable spate of Nazi swastikas on Bondi beachfront. This funding commitment will help ensure the security and well-being of the Bondi community and is greatly appreciated.”
Waverley Liberal Councillor Sally Betts said the additional funding would supplement security measures being rolled out by the Council.
“Waverley Council has been concerned about this for a long time. We are currently installing one set of cameras but really don’t have the finances at this stage to have the whole length of the beach covered,” Ms Betts said.
“Furthermore, Bondi is an iconic tourist destination in Australia. These cameras will provide enhanced security for the millions of visitors who come to this beautiful coastline.
“To get a commitment like this from the Federal Government is really amazing and needed by both residents and visitors alike.”
Any outdoor “blank canvas” will be attacked by graffiti of all types. Better on such surfaces is to cover it by planting vegetation like coastal plants, creepers, climbing plants rather that CCTV.