Graffiti

Brisbane City Council defines graffiti as any drawing, painting, writing, symbol or mark applied to or marked on property by spraying, writing, drawing, marking, scratching, etching or otherwise applying paint or another marking substance that is done without the property owner’s permission. It does not include chalk drawings on footpaths.

Graffiti includes (but is not limited to):

  • scratchings
  • etchings
  • paintings
  • pen markings
  • tags
  • artwork
  • stickers
  • posters
  • fliers

There is a difference between graffiti and legal street/urban art (murals etc). Graffiti is undertaken without the permission of the property owner; therefore, it is vandalism and is unlawful. Legal street art, urban art and murals are applied with the permission of the property owner. 

Find what you need to know

How you report graffiti can depend on several factors, including:

  • whether it has happened or is happening
  • the type and location of the graffiti
  • whether you are the owner of the property vandalised.

Find out the right way to report graffiti.

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One of Council’s preferred graffiti management strategy is to work with victims to negotiate the timely removal of graffiti from their premises. This is done by providing graffiti management and prevention advice and assisting with removal resources. Find out some graffiti removal techniques and how Council can help.

There are several ways that you can reduce the likelihood of graffiti on your property. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles can help make your property less of a target. Find out more about graffiti prevention strategies.

Council has a strong commitment to supporting and delivering legal street and urban art projects and to providing legal opportunities for artistic expression across Brisbane. This is achieved through partnering with local community organisations and groups. Find out how you can get involved.

Council is committed to managing the social and financial impacts of graffiti and works with other government and community organisations and groups to help tackle graffiti in the city of Brisbane. Find out what we are doing and who we work closely with.

More information

If you require more advice, information or support, phone Council's Taskforce Against Graffiti on 07 3403 8888.

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