Under a Hakim Lord Mayorship, Melbourne will undergo a transformational aesthetic shift, with graffiti management and safety being two major focal points of Hakim’s plan.
Today, Hakim unveiled his "Cleaner, Safer Melbourne" policy, outlining a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the city’s cleanliness, graffiti, and safety issues.
With community, safety, and affordability at the core, Hakim’s vision calls for long-term, sustainable solutions to keep Melbourne clean and vibrant for all residents, businesses and visitors.
“Our city’s future depends on how we take care of it today. Melbourne deserves a clean and safe environment where people can thrive, and that’s exactly what I’m committed to delivering. We’ve invested millions in cleaning, but we need to shift to sustainable practices that engage the community and make everyone a stakeholder in keeping our city beautiful,” Hakim said.
Central to the plan is the “Clean Up Melbourne Campaign,” branded “Don’t Be a Tosser,” which seeks to instil a sense of civic pride among Melburnians. “This campaign is about inspiring residents to take ownership of their surroundings. We’re not just cleaning up after people – we’re creating a movement where everyone plays a role in keeping Melbourne clean,” Hakim said.
The campaign will include a partnership with the likes of Clean Up Australia, involving local schools, residents, and businesses in city-wide clean-up events. "We want to engage every corner of our community, and that means delivering our message in multiple languages and across different platforms to reflect our city’s rich diversity,” Hakim added.
The "Cleaner, Safer Melbourne" policy also proposes a “Safety Design Plan for Elizabeth, and Flinders Streets,” addressing pollution, lighting, and overall safety.
"Safety and cleanliness go hand-in-hand and should never be treated as mutually exclusive. We can’t talk about a clean Melbourne without ensuring key areas, like Southern Cross Station and King Street, are not only well-maintained but also well-lit and safe for everyone," Hakim said.
Further addressing clean streets, the policy focuses on “Smart Waste Management” by upgrading smart bin technology. "Overflowing bins create unnecessary litter, and it’s time we use technology to stay ahead of the problem. With smarter bins that alert waste services when full and stronger waste contracts, we can prevent litter before it starts," Hakim said.
On the issue of graffiti management, Hakim proposed a more creative and preventative approach. “We’ve seen a significant increase in graffiti since the pandemic. While quick removal is important, we also need to look at the root causes and offer creative solutions like community-led murals,” he said.
Melbourne once had a world-leading approach to street art, with Hosier Lane and Centre Place earning us a global reputation and attracting significant tourism. Andy Mac and his crew at Citylights presented superb workshops for at-risk youth as well as up-and-coming artists. We’ve already got world’s best practice to build on in this space.
Under the “Community-Led Murals” initiative, local schools, businesses, and artists would collaborate to design murals on public infrastructure often targeted by taggers. “These murals will not only beautify the city but also foster community pride, making these spaces less attractive to graffiti,” Hakim said.
Another key policy issue is the engagement of Melbourne’s youth. Hakim will introduce “Youth Art Sessions,” where young people can work with street artists to channel their creativity into legitimate projects. According to Hakim, what’s needed is to provide opportunities for young people to express themselves in ways that contribute positively to the city. “By mentoring young people and artists, we’re reducing illegal graffiti and building a sense of belonging," Hakim said.
By emphasising the long-term benefits of integrating these initiatives into public events and school programs, Hakim said, “When we bring cleaning efforts into events and engage people early, we’re creating a culture of pride and responsibility for our city. This is how we make sure Melbourne stays clean, safe, and vibrant—not just today, but for the future."