Continual damage around Port Campbell has forced Council to set aside its usual practice of remaining positive, and share some difficult truths.
Corangamite Shire Council Chief Executive Officer David Rae said damage to some of the raised planters boxes was only the tip of the iceberg.
"We wish to be clear that raised planter boxes in town streetscapes are not unique. They have featured in main streets throughout western Victoria for decades, including in Hamilton and Warrnambool," Mr Rae said.
"Council can accept that some of the recent damage in Port Campbell is accidental, however, we are concerned that the more significant damage undertaken recently could be deliberate at worst, and negligent at best.
"The most recent damage − to the stone wave near the supermarket − is likely to cost several thousand dollars to repair. That bill will be passed on to the transport company and driver responsible for the damage."
Throughout the Town Centre Revitalisation Project there have been multiple small acts of vandalism and damage.
Only this week there was yet another attack on the old Great Ocean Road walkway near the surfers car park.
"Vandals have attempted to rip out the concrete bases for the removable steel bollards, also cutting locks and discarding them in the surrounding vegetation," Mr Rae said.
"The removable steel bollards replaced the timber version cut down illegally in March, causing almost $7,000 in damage.
"The installation of the bollards is part of the approved project to limit vehicle access to this section of the old Great Ocean Road to emergency vehicles only, to provide a safer clifftop walking track, and to protect rare plants and animals."
During the Town Centre Revitalisation Project, damage has included removal of construction and traffic management barriers and signs, retaining walls and planters being defaced and knocked into, bolts and safety equipment being cut and discarded, new plants removed and scattered, damaged household goods thrown into construction areas, and small thefts of timber and other construction materials.
Damage has been reported to Police, and Council will pursue prosecutions where possible.
"We have a stock of stone to undertake repair works and are working with the contractor to carry out those works," Mr Rae said.
"We have commissioned another external traffic safety review and will look to install bollards or barriers in specific locations to prevent further damage if necessary.
"The cost of repairs will be borne by the person causing the damage first. If this is not possible then ratepayer funds will need to be used. This is unfortunate because it means something else in the community misses out.
"Anyone found deliberately vandalising public assets will be prosecuted."
Council still maintains construction surveillance cameras in Lord Street and Cairns Street and will consider other locations if vandalism persists.
"There are better ways to air grievances. The way not to do it is by maliciously vandalising public assets which have been bought and paid for by ratepayers and taxpayers of Corangamite Shire, including Port Campbell. I would hope those responsible come to realise this and that their actions are harming the community, not Council," Mr Rae said.
