Division 5 councillor Shane Rendalls has been subject to some vile online abuse.
In his column in your Friendly Bay Islander this edition, he has outlined the situation.
As a result, he says he has ‘stopped engaging’ with Facebook and social media.
The councillor says he has been ‘forced into this position’ because of the “bullying, abuse and harassment I am receiving and this is spilling over to my family.
“This has included being called vermin; that I should be eradicated; that I should be shot; that I am evil etc.
“I have been assaulted, pets have been poisoned and property damaged”.
The assault happened on a Sealink Ferry when an intoxicated person pushed and shoved the councillor.
As a result he is given direct discussion and interaction on facebook a miss.
He says: “I know that most of our community are appalled by this online behaviour and most of the bullying is from people who hide behind anonymity and fake identities.
“I am also concerned that other residents trying to work for the benefit of our community have similar experiences. “Please be safe online and treat others with respect.”
However, for updates Cr Rendalls will be running a FB page for council updates, meeting times etc.
“But do not assume I read posts or FB messages.
“If you have something to say to me, or to arrange a meeting with you or a group of people, please use my email shane.rendalls@redland.qld.gov.au or phone 0738298604.
Or catch me on the ferry, on the street or at one of my pop-up offices.
THE FRIENDLY BAY ISLANDER SAYS: We were shocked to learn that Cr Rendalls did not report the incident to police. Attacking a public figure like that is an utter disgrace, and even more so that the culprit was intoxicated at the time. All public figures give up a lot to represent us. Being subject to such behaviour is reprehensible.
