City of Melbourne Council says a specialised team of “rapid-response” cleaners will ensure the streets are sparkling, as people flock to the city to work, shop, dine and enjoy the city post-lockdown.
Lord Mayor, Sally Capp said the new Rapid Response Clean Team would respond swiftly to requests to remove graffiti and rubbish, mop up spills and waste, and maintain street furniture.
“Our team is agile, fast-acting and on the job seven days a week to ensure the city is the best it can be as we welcome people back,” the Lord Mayor said.
“When the Clean Team isn’t responding to calls from businesses and residents, they’ll be monitoring the CBD to make sure the city is clean.
“As work, dining, culture and entertainment bring people back to the CBD, we want everyone to notice our sparkling city streets, thanks to the responsiveness of our fabulous new Clean Team.”
She said the City of Melbourne receives around 90 requests for street cleaning and graffiti removal every week in the CBD alone. Council removes more than 70,000 square metres of graffiti each year and collects more than 1000 tonnes of dumped rubbish – the equivalent weight of more than 30 trams.
Environment portfolio lead Councillor, Rohan Leppert said the initiative would be a “gamechanger” for the city.
“We want our iconic streets and laneways to be as inviting and pleasant as our green and open spaces,” he said.
“Initiatives like this will ensure we remain a welcoming city for all.”
He said the City of Melbourne had invested more than $1 million to set up the Clean Team with an experienced crew kitted out in distinctive blue uniforms, and a fleet of six new vehicles, including electric graffiti management and electric street sweeper units.
