Hepburn Shire Council has taken a strong stance against what it describes as escalating hostile behaviour on social media and through email communications.
Mayor Don Henderson has condemned the increasing incidents of offensive and threatening language directed at Council staff and officers, announcing that such incidents will now be referred to police and relevant authorities.
The Council emphasizes that while they welcome constructive feedback and healthy debate from residents, personal attacks and intimidating behaviour will not be tolerated.
The escalation in behaviour follows the leaking online of an unofficial local government inspectorate report into issues surrounding the purchase and sale of the Rex Theatre in Daylesford, which resulted in significant financial losses for the council.