Crackdown On Rail Graffiti Backed By New CCTV Funding

The Victorian Government is stepping up efforts to tackle graffiti and improve safety across the state's rail network as part of the Victorian Budget 2026/27.

The Allan Labor Government will invest $4.5 million in new initiatives aimed at cleaning up vandalism hotspots and strengthening station security, including:

• $2.5 million for a major graffiti removal blitz across Melbourne's rail network
• $2 million to expand and upgrade CCTV systems at regional train stations

The graffiti blitz will focus on parts of the rail network most affected by vandalism across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Crews will target difficult-to-access areas such as rail bridges, corridors and other key infrastructure, helping speed up removal works and improve the appearance of the network.

The investment builds on existing anti-graffiti efforts already underway. Last year alone, Metro removed nearly 260,000 square metres of graffiti - an area equivalent to 13 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.

More than $10 million is already spent each year on graffiti removal and repairing vandalised infrastructure across the network.

The Budget also includes funding for upgraded CCTV systems at Ballarat, Little River and Beaufort stations to improve passenger safety and help authorities identify offenders.

The upgrades include 36 new or improved cameras at Ballarat Station, the first CCTV installation at Little River Station, and planning work for a new camera system at Beaufort Station.

These additions will strengthen the network's existing surveillance capability, which already includes more than 13,000 CCTV cameras across Victoria's public transport system.

The Allan Labor Government says the investment will help deliver a cleaner, safer and more reliable public transport network for Victorians.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams

"We're backing a clean-up blitz to help stop graffiti in its tracks across our rail network."

"Vandals are on notice, with stronger action to curb graffiti and keep stations clean."

"Better CCTV means safer stations, safer journeys and stronger support to track offenders."