Warning over painted rocks

MEDIA RELEASE 14 July 2023

Council is warning the public of the dangers of placing painted rocks within community parks and reserves throughout Bathurst.

There has been an increase within social media sites encouraging the placement of painted rocks within parks, reserves and other public places, including in Bathurst.

Council’s Manger Parks and Recreation Mark Kimble said the painted rocks are an Australian wide craze aimed at encouraging children to become more active by taking part in a treasure hunt style game involving the painting of rocks, which are left in various locations.

“While it is great to encourage children to be out and about exploring our parks and gardens, and the activity is well intentioned, it creates a significant safety hazard.

“This particular activity poses significant safety risks to the public when rocks are placed in public places. While every effort is made to detect and remove safety hazards prior to performing garden maintenance activities, rocks can be hidden from obvious sight.

“Even when placing rocks in areas such as paths, they can easily be picked up and moved onto lawn areas or garden beds intentionally or inadvertently. There is a significant risk for rocks to be hit by mowers and whipper-snippers, placing park users or staff at risk of serious injury,” Mr Kimbel said.

Council is seeking the public’s support to help keep local parks and reserves a safe environment for all users. Council doesn’t want to stop people from participating in decorating rocks, however requests that they display their rock art within their own property, or through social media platforms