Helen Hoban is the secretary of the Lake Cathie Progress Association and said the graffiti was disgusting behaviour.

"It's very sad for the situation to have happened at the sporting complex or anywhere for that matter," she said.

A spokesperson from NSW Police said the incident took place sometime between 8am, Friday, August 21, and noon Monday, August 24.

The sporting complex on Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie was spray painted by an unknown number of people.

Some Lake Cathie residents have called for a greater police presence to help track down potential suspects.

However, Ms Hoban said it would be impossible for police to manage public facilities 24 hours a day.

Ms Hoban hopes penalties for culprits can become harsher but she said it's difficult to catch the perpetrators in the act.

"If they do catch them they should be made to clean it with a toothbrush," she said.

Lake Cathie Fishing Club secretary Terry McDermott said CCTV could be implemented at various locations to help catch vandals.

Mr McDermott would like there to be harsher penalties for people who choose to vandalise property and for them to be named.

"These people have no respect for what is supplied for them within the community," he said.

To report information in relation to the graffiti incident, contact Port Macquarie Police on 6583 0199.