Media Release - Acts of Vandalism to Multimillion Dollar Community Facility

Vandalism continues to impact our community with damage once again being inflicted to the gates surrounding Rotary Park playground located in the Ingham CBD.

“At approximately 2.00am Sunday 5 February and 1.30am Thursday 9 February 2023, an individual can be seen intentionally damaging the gate. Not only are they damaging the gate, but it also poses a high safety risk for children who use this playground.” said Mayor Ramon Jayo.

Mayor Jayo said “It is extremely disappointing to see that there are people in our community who have little regard for community assets, wilfully damaging and defacing property and assets resulting in cost and added expense to ratepayers.”

“This behaviour does not only cost the community in repairs, but also impacts our families and children through the temporary loss of use and enjoyment of the facilities, and also damages our reputation in the eyes of tourists to our wonderful venues.” said Mayor Jayo.

Council has lodged formal complaints with Queensland Police and have provided evidence of the perpetrator through CCTV footage. Council will be seeking an order for restitution in some manner or form as compensation for the cost of repairs.

Because vandalism is an ongoing problem Council is committed to rolling out more CCTV cameras for the purposes of securing evidence and pursuing the culprits on behalf of the community.

Mayor Jayo said “Council has released footage of this most recent incident (see link provided below) and anyone who may be able to assist with identification of the culprit is requested to please come forward.  Someone always knows something when it comes to vandalism, so we are requesting residents to be aware and to report such incidents.”

If you have any information in relation to this incident, please report it to Queensland Police and quote reference number QP2300233987. We need your assistance to apprehend the perpetrators of these malicious acts so that we can hopefully put an end to any further acts.

Attachment: CCTV Footage of Rotary Park playground damage.