Emma Pritchard

Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Ray Smith has revealed he will not hesitate to adjourn further Ordinary or Extraordinary Meetings of Council and/or call the police if he believes councillors, council staff, and members of the public seated in the gallery come under threat as a result of aggressive or unruly behaviour demonstrated by others in attendance.

For the second month in a row, the Mayor adjourned the Ordinary Meeting of Council in the Maclean Council Chambers on March 20 for 15 minutes after two men interrupted proceedings when they became verbally disruptive and made remarks directed towards CVC General Manager Laura Black.

Mayor Smith had already asked one gentleman to resume his seat prior to calling the brief adjournment.

Describing their behaviour as very disappointing, Mayor Smith confirmed he will be entering into discussions with the GM and other councillors in the coming days to identify how they can provide a safe workplace for everyone moving forward.

“What happened in the Maclean Council Chambers, the aggressive and threatening behaviour towards the GM was totally unacceptable,” he said.

“I will continue to adjourn meetings if I believe councillors, staff, or anybody is under any threat of abuse or even physical harm.”

Reiterating his comments made following the previous Ordinary Meeting of Council on February 20 where officers attached to the Coffs/Clarence Police District attended the Grafton Council Chamber after a group of individuals became verbally abusive, the Mayor is continuing to encourage Clarence Valley residents who wish to speak with him regarding matters which concern them to make an appointment to do so.