Mr Rees said during a meeting at Gymea Tradies last Thursday night that the Government would pay the cost of cleaning up after a graffiti attack on a Bangor scout hall and would also give Sutherland Shire Council $100,000 of the $1 million allocated for a statewide anti-graffiti campaign.

Cr Kelly welcomed the funding announcement, but told Mr Rees his tough new graffiti penalties now before parliament would not be effective unless there were changes to the Young Offenders Act.

"Most juvenile graffiti offenders will still end up with little more than a slap on the wrist because they are protected by provisions of the Young Offenders Act,'' she said.

"Under that act, juveniles are receiving multiple warnings and police are powerless to do anything but let them go with a warning.

"I have expressed my concerns to the Premier and his office about the new measures and that they don't go far enough, and I hope the bill will be amended.

"While I support the intent of the Young Offenders Act in protecting juveniles from being heavily penalised for minor offences, I don't see why the new legislation can't include measures to ensure graffiti offenders really are forced to clean up after themselves.''

Mr Rees visited the shire for a "report back'' session with community groups responsible for proposals for updating the State Plan.

Mr Rees welcomed news that police had arrested five people, aged 14 to 17, over a graffiti party which resulted in the Pyree Street scout hall being vandalised.

"This type of cowardly attack is disgusting,'' he said. "I know how important this hall is and understand that a statewide event is being hosted there later this month.

"That's why I am committing the Government to cover all the costs of the work the council has arranged to repair the damage.''

A council spokeswoman said the clean-up cost was not yet known and the work occur nearer the planned statewide meeting for scouts with special needs.