Townsville councillor Liam Mooney sorry after abusive exchange with ratepayer caught on video

A Townsville councillor has expressed remorse after he was filmed having an ugly confrontation with a ratepayer on his own property while handing out flyers. WATCH

A Townsville City councillor has expressed remorse after he was caught on camera allegedly using foul language during an ugly confrontation with a ratepayer on his own property.

Liam Mooney, councillor for Division 9 and a member of dominant Team Jenny Hill faction, said he was “disappointed in my behaviour, absolutely, in response to what happened.”

“I do apologise.”

In the video, posted on social media by mayoral candidate Troy Thompson with an “explicit language” warning, Mr Mooney can be seen approaching a man blowing leaves in his driveway.

During the exchange in the video, Mr Mooney appears to take offence when the resident refuses to accept a flyer.

“Why is that? What did I do to you sir?” he asked.

The man, who appears to have previously met Mr Mooney, told the councillor to “get off my property”, before turning on his blower.

Townsville City Councillor Liam Mooney attempts to hand a ratepayer a flyer on his own property before the pair engage in an ugly verbal confrontation that is captured on video.

As the pair walk down the driveway, the confrontation, captured on a minute-long video, intensifies after the ratepayer tells Mr Mooney that he “can’t do your job”.

What words are exchanged as Mr Mooney advances back up the driveway are drowned out by the blower, but the property owner takes immediate offence.

“You told me I’m a f***wit on my own property, you piece of s***, f*** off,” the property owner says.

Townsville City Councillor Liam Mooney says he will not withdraw from local-government elections on March 16. Picture: Shae Beplate

Mr Mooney said that he had referred the incident to the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) after the incident on Monday.

“They’re reviewing it so I won’t be saying anything more.”

Mr Mooney said he was otherwise proud of his last four years on council and as a member of the mayoral faction.

The incident would not affect his campaign “at all”, he said.

“I’ve spoken to thousands of residents over the course of it and I’ll continue that hard work every day.”

Mr Mooney said he would not withdraw from the elections and was confident he would retain his seat.

“Absolutely … I’ve done a lot of great work over the last four years.”

The Townsville mayor is standing by her Team Jenny Hill candidate for Division 9. Picture: Evan Morgan

Ms Hill said it was her expectation that councillors and candidates “always conduct themselves to the highest standards”.

She said she was aware of the incident, confirming it had been reported to the OIA.

“The OIA is best suited to address complaints regarding councillors, and it was appropriate and showed integrity on Cr Mooney’s behalf to self-refer in this instance,” Ms Hill said.

She said Team Hill would continue to “get on with the job, seeking the support of our community on March 16”.

“We have a strong plan for the city, and I can deliver on our strong plan with this team behind me.”

Originally published as Townsville councillor Liam Mooney sorry after abusive exchange with ratepayer caught on video