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Ratepayers bear cost of repairing vandalised bins

By Ashley Darling

Sep 8, 2026

Multiple bins at Victoria Park Lake were destroyed by deliberately lit fires. Photo by Contributed

Ratepayers will bear the cost of replacing multiple bins at Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton that were deliberately set alight.

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A statement from Greater Shepparton City Council described the attacks as “disappointing and unacceptable”.

While the cost of replacing each bin varies, the annual spend on repair and maintenance of public bins across Greater Shepparton is $150,000.

This figure includes replacement of the bins, labour, and clean up of litter due to the absence of a bin.

Director infrastructure Aidin Montazami said community assets belonged to everyone and should be treated with respect.

“When vandalism occurs, it is our entire community that pays the price,” Mr Montazami said.

“We are currently experiencing multiple incidents each week, which is placing ongoing pressure on operational resources and contributing to recurring repair and clean-up costs.

“Repairs and replacements are funded through rates, meaning money that could be spent on other community priorities must instead be directed towards fixing preventable damage.”

Council encouraged the community to take pride in shared community spaces and report instances of vandalism or suspicious behaviour to appropriate authorities.