Swan Hill, a regional town in Victoria, Australia, has come up with an unusual way to tackle vandalism and late-night hangouts: it is playing classical music outside public toilets to make the area less inviting for people who linger. Instead of increasing security guards or patrols, the local council has turned to sound as a deterrent, hoping the constant background music will help protect public facilities and cut down on repeated damage.
Why this Australian town is using music instead of security guards
Swan Hill Rural City Council introduced the idea after the public toilets on McCallum Street, located in the town centre, became a repeated target for vandalism and disruptive behaviour. Council representatives said the damage ranged from graffiti and broken fixtures to more serious incidents, forcing regular repairs and creating ongoing maintenance costs.The council chose classical music as a low-cost, continuous option that could change the mood around the area and discourage people from gathering late at night. Officials believed the sound would act as a “soft barrier”, making the spot less comfortable for lingering while also signalling that the space is being actively managed.
What music is being played
The playlist includes well-known classical pieces such as Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. The aim is to discourage crowds from forming outside the toilets and reduce the chances of vandalism. The trial is expected to run for six months before the council decides whether to expand it to other locations.
A tactic used beyond Swan Hill
While Swan Hill’s approach may sound unusual, similar strategies have been tried elsewhere, where music has been used in public spaces to discourage loitering and reduce nuisance behaviour. For now, Swan Hill’s message is simple: if extra enforcement isn’t stopping the problem, classical music might.
