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Canberra Today 14°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Kambah Pool vandalised one night before lockout

VANDALS set fire to the Kambah Pool toilets on the weekend, just one night before the gates to the popular swimming spot were locked to keep them out.

The vandalised toilet at Kambah Pool.
One of the vandalised toilets at Kambah Pool.
Minister Shane Rattenbury first announced in early May that the gates would be locked at night from July 1, in response to repeated anti-social behaviour at night from car hoons, vandals and litterbugs.

The toilet block will now be closed for at least a week and repairs will mean resources are diverted away from other tasks, according to ACT Parks and Conservation Service area manager Tim Chaseling.

“We have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour and the vandalism of recreational assets at Kambah Pool over the last few years, including the dumping of rubbish, lighting of fires and car racing,” Mr Chaseling said.

IMG_0682“Earlier this year, one vandal used a chainsaw to cut down trees and damage walking trail bridges, which cost approximately $8,000 to repair.

“It’s disappointing that despite the ranger time and money put into providing quality recreation areas and facilities, the community can’t enjoy them in full because of vandalism. The money spent on repairs is a drain on resources which could otherwise be used more efficiently on the parks and reserves conservation estate.

“While we have a range of strategies in place to detect blatant acts of vandalism and anti-social behavior across our conservation estate, we would appreciate the public’s vigilance in working with us to help in preventing future incidents.”

Mr Chaseling says that closing the gates to nearby Pine Island at night led to a decrease in the same kinds of anti-social behaviour, particularly with vehicle related issues.

As of Monday the Kambah Pool gates are shut every night from 6pm to 8am during non-daylight savings time, and from 9pm to 8am during daylight savings time.

Any suspicious or illegal activity can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by going to act.crimestoppers.com.au

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