Cairns councillors sent threatening messages ahead of public meeting, told to ‘beware’

Cairns Regional Council has reacted swiftly to protect its staff and the public after a “weirdo” sent threatening messages to councillors.

Cairns councillors were sent threats by a member of the public prior to Wednesday’s planning and environment meeting. Picture: File photos

Cairns Regional Council was on high alert on Wednesday morning after councillors were sent threatening messages by a member of the public.

Security guards were posted at the entrance to the council’s offices on Spence St, as well as outside the building’s lifts due to the belligerent citizen specifically stating he would appear at the council’s 9am planning and environment meeting.

Division 6 councillor Kristy Vallely said some councillors received calls from the man while others were sent messages.

“His threats were very vague and difficult to understand, but he just said to ‘beware’,” Ms Vallely said.

“Still, it’s a bit disarming.

Security posted at Cairns Regional Council after threats from a member of the public. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

Security posted at Cairns Regional Council after threats from a member of the public. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“He sent the messages from his personal mobile, so the police were able to work out who it was.”

Division 9 councillor Brett Olds said he received a voice message.

“(He said) ‘I’ll be there at 9am tomorrow, hope you’re there too’,” Mr Olds said.

“He just came across as a weirdo.

“I missed his call and tried to call him back … I was keen to find out what his issue was.

Division 9 councillor Brett Olds said the man came across as a ‘weirdo’. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“It’s probably not the best way to go about winning over councillors’ hearts and minds.”

Division 2 councillor Rob Pyne shrugged off the incident and said the person had too much time on his hands.

“I had much worse when I was at state government. One guy called and said ‘I’m going to chop your head off’,” Mr Pyne said.

Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger said the man was very specific about his identity but she didn’t consider the message threatening.

Division 2 councillor Rob Pyne said he received worse threats when he was a state parliamentarian. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“(He) said his name, what he’s known as on Facebook and that he’s coming today and suggested I do some research on him, and he said ‘I’ll see you tomorrow’,” Ms Zeiger said.

“Apparently he’s well known to police.”

Cairns Regional Council CEO Mica Martin said the matter had been referred to the police.

“A number of councillors advised of threatening phone calls later yesterday,” Ms Martin said.

“Unfortunately, these sorts of incidents occur from time to time, and we have robust processes in place to ensure the safety of councillors, staff and the general public.

“In response to the threatening calls, and as an additional precaution to existing safety processes, security personnel were onsite for today’s meeting.”

Police confirmed they were investigating the matter.

Originally published as Cairns councillors sent threatening messages ahead of public meeting, told to ‘beware’