This guide sets out what Brisbane City Council’s graffiti and illegal dumping pages say about how to report each problem, who must act, and the fines and penalties the pages print. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not say whether any particular incident would lead to a fine.
Reporting graffiti
At 11 November 2026, the Report graffiti page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that graffiti is illegal, and that a home or business that has been graffitied should be reported to the police immediately. At 11 November 2026, the Report graffiti page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that the Policelink number for reporting graffiti is 131 444. At 11 November 2026, the Report graffiti page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that graffiti on Telstra, Translink, Queensland Rail or Department of Main Roads property should be reported to that organisation directly. At 11 November 2026, the Report graffiti page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that a graffiti report can be made on the online form, with the location, the type of property and optional photos. At 11 November 2026, the Graffiti removal and reporting page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that graffiti is any drawing, painting, writing, symbol or mark applied to a property without the owner’s permission. At 11 November 2026, the Graffiti removal and reporting page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that graffiti on private property must be removed by the owner or occupier. At 11 November 2026, the Report graffiti page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that a free graffiti removal kit can be requested for private property or a business. At 11 November 2026, the Report graffiti page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that an anonymous graffiti report receives no reference number and cannot be followed up.
Removal notices and penalties for graffiti
At 11 November 2026, the Graffiti removal and reporting page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that if Council receives a complaint about graffiti on a property, it may issue a Removal Notice requiring the graffiti to be removed or covered within 14 days. At 11 November 2026, the Graffiti removal and reporting page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that the Removal Notice is issued under the Health, Safety and Amenity Local Law 2021. At 11 November 2026, the Graffiti removal and reporting page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that if the notice is not complied with, Council may issue a fine or remove the graffiti and invoice the removal costs. At 11 November 2026, the Graffiti removal and reporting page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that defacing property with graffiti is punishable by law. At 11 November 2026, the Graffiti removal and reporting page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that Queensland Rail is responsible for removing graffiti where the work can only be done inside the railway corridor.
Reporting illegal dumping
At 11 November 2026, the Illegal dumping – what is it and how to report it page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that illegal dumping is the unlawful disposal of any type of waste material totalling 200 litres or more in volume. At 11 November 2026, the Illegal dumping – what is it and how to report it page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that Council can issue on-the-spot fines for dumped rubbish. At 11 November 2026, the Report illegal dumping page on services.brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that illegal dumping can be reported on public or private land, including natural areas, footpaths, charity bins and bins meant for other waste. At 11 November 2026, the Illegal dumping – what is it and how to report it page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that illegally dumped items or someone dumping waste can be reported on the online form. At 11 November 2026, the Illegal dumping – what is it and how to report it page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that a person can also report illegal dumping by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888. At 11 November 2026, the Illegal dumping – what is it and how to report it page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that people are asked not to approach anyone depositing illegal waste or disturb the site. At 11 November 2026, the Illegal dumping – what is it and how to report it page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that a person or organisation may be issued with a fine or prosecuted for illegal dumping, with the total depending on the volume of waste. At 11 November 2026, the Illegal dumping – what is it and how to report it page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that one penalty unit is equal to $172.70 from 1 July 2026. At 11 November 2026, the Illegal dumping – what is it and how to report it page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that for more serious offences, Council may consider prosecution, with court-imposed maximum penalties in the order of 400-1,000 penalty units.
For how to report a problem on a road or footpath, see How to Report a Road or Footpath Problem in Brisbane. For how drink containers and litter are handled, see Containers for Change: How Queensland’s 10-Cent Refund Scheme Works.
Frequently asked questions
Do I call the police about graffiti on my business?
At 11 November 2026, the Report graffiti page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says if your home or business has been graffitied or vandalised, you should report it to the police immediately, by phoning Policelink on 131 444.
Who removes graffiti from private property?
At 11 November 2026, the Graffiti removal and reporting page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says it is the responsibility of the owner or occupier to remove graffiti on private property.
How long do I have to remove graffiti after a notice?
At 11 November 2026, the Graffiti removal and reporting page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that under a Removal Notice you must remove or cover the graffiti within 14 days.
How do I report illegal dumping by phone?
At 11 November 2026, the Illegal dumping – what is it and how to report it page on brisbane.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says illegal dumping can also be reported by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888.
