There has been shock at the turn of phrase a councillor used in a public social media exchange over the future of the Hotel Australasia, Eden.
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After a story was posted on the Eden Magnet’s Facebook page about seeking expressions of interest for the hotel again, councillor Robyn Bain expressed anger that she did not get to comment before the article was published.
(Editor’s note: Fairfax made two attempts to contact Cr Bain before publishing and has since received a written response. She said her “conflict of interest” was to “ensure the dollars that ratepayers hand over...are spent on the services local government is designed to deliver and not on buildings the private sector can buy”.)
On Facebook, Eden’s Australasia volunteer Amanda Midlam asked why past decisions about the hotel had to be reversed.
“I find it very disturbing that a councillor has discussions with developers, then proposes a motion that the building be sold,” she wrote.
In response, Cr Bain said: “Go get a life Amanda. If you spent as much time in the community doing good stuff as you do in Facebook you would be productive. Go talk to the people of Eden. Stop hiding behind a computer. You believe you are right? Stand for council next time.”
Cr Bain’s comments prompted others to wade into the heated exchange with Angela George calling it a “seriously offensive comment” and Tricia Owen asking how someone voted on to council could talk like that.
“It’s totally inappropriate for an elected councillor to make a personal attack of this kind,” Ms Midlam said.
Mayor Kristy McBain said the council had received emails concerning the exchange.
Previous mayor Michael Britten said care had to be taken by councillors when conducting themselves in public and also in talking to any organisation that might be interested or involved in expressions of interest or tenders from council.
Council’s code of conduct states councillors “must not conduct yourself in carrying out your functions in a manner that is likely to bring the council or holders of civic office into disrepute,” and adds: “you must treat others with respect at all times.”