Graffiti

Each year millions of dollars are spent eradicating graffiti vandalism. Graffiti is wilful damage under the Queensland Criminal Code, a serious crime that can result in imprisonment of up to seven years. The State Government recently passed legislation restricting the sale of aerosol paint to minors.

The best response is to remove graffiti tags within 24 hours and deny vandals what they crave most - recognition. Everyone in our community can assist with the eradication of graffiti through the following:

• Deterrence: Consider painting vulnerable fences and walls (at least 2.5 metres from the ground) in dark, modern colours, forcing vandals to use white, yellow or silver paint to be effective. Tags are then easier to remove. Alternatively, if vulnerable walls must remain light in colour, consider planting trees, wall climbers, or thorny plants such as bougainvillea.
• Report the crime: Recording digital photographic evidence of graffiti tags by the police or council is essential to legal prosecutions. If tags cannot be rapidly removed within 24 hours, cover them with anything until photographic evidence is collected. The Gold Coast City Council offers a free graffiti removal service with the consent of the property owner. Report graffiti vandalism at 5581 7998 or email graffiti@goldcoast.qld.gov.au .
• Graffiti Watch: Consider forming Graffiti Watch, a vigilance strategy where community members during daily walks identify graffiti tags and immediately calls the Graffiti Hotline for removal. Join a local Neighbourhood Watch Group.

Bushfire Warning

The peak period for bushfires in Queensland tends to be over the remainder of the year and I urge all residents living near or in bushland to recognise this and take precautions that will help prevent fire.
Residents need to be aware that any potential 'fuel' such as leaves, twigs, branches and other flammable items should be removed or placed well away from the family home and any other assets. Some basic bushfire preparation measures people should undertake around their homes are:

• Clearing away rubbish and debris from areas of your property
• Keeping grass areas well maintained and watered
• Clearing gutters of leaf litter and debris
• Storing flammable items and stockpiles of timber well away from homes or other assets.

ENERGEX ready for summer storm season

Be prepared for summer storms: Secure loose items around the yard in case they become airborne in strong winds; trim overhead tree branches, but not those near powerlines; keep a torch and battery-operated radio handy, listen to their radio for power restoration updates; keep ENERGEX numbers handy and charge their mobile phone. These are all simple steps but they could prove life-saving when severe storms strike.

New smoke alarm laws

New laws require the installation of smoke alarms in houses and units by 1 July 2007. Smoke alarms must be located outside sleeping areas and one on each level. These requirements mainly affect homes built since 1 July 2007 as the Building Code of Australia requires all homes built since 1 July 1997 to have smoke alarms installed. Anyone can do installation and maintenance of smoke alarms, except for hardwired installation which must be done by a licensed electrician. All houses and units built after 1 July 1997 are required to have hardwired alarms installed.

In addition, Queensland Fire & Rescue Service recommends hardwired alarms in most circumstances as the most reliable and safe solution, especially for rental accommodation. This recommendation has been adopted by a number of owners and, also by a number of companies that provide smoke alarm installation and maintenance services to the rental market.

For more information on smoke alarms, phone Smart Services Queensland on 1300369003 or visit the website www.fire.qld.gov.au Advice in relation to the qualifications needed to install and maintain smoke alarms is provided by a Licensing Information Statement published on the Building Services Authority website www.bsa.qld.gov.au

Light up safely this Christmas

With Christmas lights being turned on, residents are being reminded of the importance of electrical safety. Incorrect use of festive lighting and overloaded electrical circuits could lead to electrical accidents. Festive lights and leads should be checked by a qualified electrician to ensure they are in safe working order. Use only approved electrical equipment for outdoors and fit a safety switch to Christmas lights.

Safety first before firing up the BBQ

With the festive season almost in full swing, Queenslanders are being urged to check gas bottles and fittings before firing up their BBQ. Make sure your gas bottle has been professionally tested in the past 10 years, and that the bottle has not reached its expiry date. If there's any sign of rust or damage, dispose of it safely and get a new one - contact the local council tip or a gas cylinder test station for details. BBQ fittings and hoses should also be checked for any signs of fraying, cracking or splitting.

Happy Christmas !

As this is the last newsletter for the year, my staff and I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy festive season. Please be advised that my office will be closed from midday Friday 21 December 2007 and reopen on Monday 7 January 2008.

My website: www.diannereillymp.com

Be sure to visit my website for local community news as well as information on recent legislation and State Government news on issues which may concern you.