Cr Sam Spinks said the notice of motion put forward at the July meeting of Greater Shepparton City Council had been in train for months before the daubing of the words “Lights? Lights?” on the concrete in June.
Cr Spinks’ motion asks for a report detailing the history and current status of all municipal skate parks, and individual or community requests for upgrades and examples of infrastructure models that support a higher level of skate park for skill attainment or participation.
Cr Spinks said it cost council money to clean up the graffiti.
“I want to point out, that is not the way to get your voice heard,” she said.
Cr Spinks said the genesis of her motion was a petition with hundreds of signatures presented as part of the 2021/22 budget process, which led to an allocation of funding for lighting but no consideration or scope for upgrades.
Skateboarding is now an Olympic sport, and professional and semi-professional events are held around the world.
“One of the comments raised through this is there are people who have reached a level of skill that has surpassed the current facilities,” Cr Spinks said.
Cr Anthony Brophy agreed that skate parks across the municipality should be looked at.
“Graffiti is not the answer, indeed is a criminal offence, and I won’t speak further on that because police are investigating,” he said.
Cr Brophy said the Shepparton facility was for beginners and intermediates and the Tatura skate park was well past its use-by date.
“To go to a higher level, including a semi-professional level, perhaps a different design and different funding, even a different venue may be required,” he said.
Cr Geoff Dobson said the graffiti was detrimental to the skate park cause, and councillors were already responding to community requests.
“This is a prime example of where councillors can take the lead in the provision of new assets,” he said.
The motion passed unopposed.
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