Youth Incidents and Vandalism Raise Community Concerns in the Lower Clarence

Residents across Townsend and Maclean have raised concerns about recent youth related incidents, vandalism and public behaviour in local parks and shared spaces.

Police are investigating an incident at Townsend Park involving two teenage girls, aged 13 and 14. The matter allegedly escalated when one briefly returned with a knife. No injuries were reported and inquiries are ongoing. A separate confrontation later that afternoon in Maclean is also under investigation.

In both Townsend and Maclean, families have reported feeling less comfortable using local parks following repeated instances of graffiti, property damage and disruptive behaviour.

Ongoing vandalism has affected key youth spaces, including Townsend Park and the Maclean skate park, with repeated tagging and damage reported. Racial and sexual slurs referring to minors have been written within the Maclean skate park precinct. Community members state that requests have been made to Council since before Christmas for the graffiti to be removed.

Residents from both communities have also reported instances of anti social behaviour in shopping areas, parks and along riverfront locations.

Concerns have additionally been raised regarding e-bike use across the Lower Clarence, including in Maclean’s town centre and on shared pathways used by pedestrians. Reports include high speed riding in pedestrian areas, multiple riders on single bikes and near misses involving families and elderly residents.

Police have encouraged community members to report incidents so that patterns can be monitored and patrols adjusted where required.

Local parks and recreational areas remain important community spaces, and residents say they would like to see them maintained as safe and welcoming environments for all users.