It's a credit to the City of Melbourne that it issues permits to those who will allow street artists to splash their walls with colour, or apply for artwork to remain if it meets the criteria. Some of those walls carry some truly stunning artistic pieces.

Melbourne is known for some really creative spaces at approved outdoor locations, but stops short of promoting garffiti or tagging - or, the marking of other people's property without permission, which is illegal.

Instead, at places such as Hosier and Rutledge Lanes, and various other places throughout the Melbourne CBD, you will find murals and other works created by talented people who have been given the freedom to share their skills in a safe and legal way.

Street art is different to graffiti. It is done with consent, and with rules. 

Graffiti is illegal and there are huge costs involved for individuals, businesses and local government in cleaning up pictures or words on their properties without permission. And there's no doubt it's a nuisance for Victoria Police.

Offensive and obscene graffiti is unsightly and unacceptable, and should be dealt with accordingly.

But many street artists just need somewhere to go to express their creativity.  

Bendigo is a vibrant city that celebrates the arts; wouldn't it be great if we added layers to this?

We are fortunate to have stunning galleries, from the Bendigo Art Gallery and La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre, to smaller private exhibitions - but not all art lends itself to a gallery space.

A street art lane way would allow those who want to be creative through this medium to share their work with their community, without having to do it illegally or on beautiful buildings.

Melbourne has some strict rules around graffiti, and clearly states that all obscene, racist or offensive graffiti is removed as a priority. Anyone who sees someone doing so is encouraged to phone Victoria Police. 

But if they see a site they believe would be a good location for street art, or an art work that deserves to stay, they can contact the property owner and suggest they apply for council approval.

Bendigo does not lend itself to street art at every turn, but one lane or specific venue could be a great start.

With some clear rules, it could give visitors another reason to enjoy the cultural experience in our city.

We are growing, so urban culture needs to come into our thinking. 

Nicole.ferrie@fairfaxmedia.com.au