Mareeba Shire Council has a zero tolerance for abuse and aggression shown towards its staff, volunteers and contractors.
“Council values its employees, volunteers and contractors and I will not tolerate any form of violent, threatening or aggressive behaviour towards them,” Mayor Tom Gilmore said.
“From our staff behind the front counter to those maintaining our parks and gardens, they are all working for the community and deserve to be treated with respect and common courtesy.”
This reminder comes after a ratepayer hurled abuse at a contractor at one of Council’s transfer stations over a dispute with the Queensland waste levy charge.
“The police were notified of this incident and it is a timely reminder that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable,” Cr Gilmore said.
The new waste levy which came into effect earlier this month was imposed by the Queensland Government and Council must pay the levy back to the State.
“While it can be easy to take your frustration out on the person standing at the gate, behind the counter or over the phone – these people are not the decision-makers,” Cr Gilmore said.
“If you have a complaint or concern about a Council-related issue I welcome you to contact Council directly.”
If a Council employee, volunteer or contractor encounters any form of violent, threatening or aggressive behaviour Council will report this behaviour to the police for action.
“The safety, health and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and contractors is paramount and any form of abuse will not be tolerated,” Cr Gilmore concluded.