‘Wrong’: Cairns councillor calls out abuse during consultation period for Redlynch development

A Cairns councillor has accused residents and leaders in the building sector of using “emotionally driven intimidation” against her and other council employees during debate over a new development.

Cairns Regional Council’s Division 6 councillor Kristy Vallely has called out bullying in the lead up to a key vote at an ordinary meeting held on Wednesday. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Cairns councillor has accused residents and leaders in the building sector of using “emotionally driven intimidation” against her and other council employees during debate over a new development.

Division 6’s Kristy Vallely voted against an application for the establishment of a “low impact” industrial site in a rural zone in Redlynch on Wednesday.

Ms Vallely was outvoted but said that “extreme” criticism of her and other council employees during the public notification period had been unwarranted.

“What you say and how you say it, is who you are,” Ms Vallely said.

“It doesn’t matter what the subject is, there is always a respectful way to say it.

“Community feedback is always encouraged … However, in this case the conversation went beyond constructive feedback and descended into emotionally-driven intimidation.”

Cairns Regional Council director of planning, growth and sustainability, Ed Johnson. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Redlynch resident praised the work of the council’s planning department throughout the consultation process.

“Council officers have gone above and beyond in handling this application,” she said.

“What our planners, and in particular (executive manager) Claire (Simmons) and Ed (Johnson), have been subject to from the community and segments of the industry is wrong and we should not ignore it.

“The officers have made their recommendation based on their expertise.”

The lack of civil discourse had led to abuse in public and on social media.

“I understand that many people feel strongly about this development and their concerns are valid,” Ms Vallely said.

“However, resorting to defamatory harassment is never acceptable.

“If we want our voices to be heard and encourage genuine civic engagement, we must allow a due process to take place without irrational mob-like behaviour.

“That is not the kind of community that we should live in.”

Originally published as ‘Wrong’: Cairns councillor calls out abuse during consultation period for Redlynch development