‘Vile’ page reported

A HUON Valley couple claim they are living in fear after being subjected to personal attacks online, as the local mayor works to get the offending page shut down after saying the council had received multiple complaints about the site.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2019 themercury.com.au SUBSCRIPTIONS 1300 696 397 A HUON Valley resident says he and his wife are living in fear of their safety, claiming they have been subjected to personal attacks online.

Lonnavale's Geoffrey Swan on Friday wrote to Huon Valley councillors, Local Government Minister Mark Shelton and Local Government Director Alex Tay about the issue.

A Facebook page titled “call out the Huon valleys (sic) biggest whingers” was created in August and has more than 300 members.

Mr Swan said he and wife Irene have been subjected to “vile abuse” on the page.

“Pictures have been posted of our faces, our homes and details of where we live,’’ he wrote.

“Irene and I have been experiencing genuine suicidal thoughts and a very personal fear for the safety of our lives and our animals.”

Mr Swan says he has been targeted because he “has been prepared to openly ask questions of council relevant to our community and to good governance”.

“We must appreciate we live in a democracy and everyone has a right to ask questions about our local governance, our environment and any issues that may be affecting our community,’’ mmunity, he said.

Mr Swan wants the page to be shut down.

Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders said the council had reported the page to Facebook after receiving four verbal complaints about it.

She said those who had made the reports said the content was “very derogatory”.

Cr Enders said the complaints were in addition to Mr Swan’s written correspondence, which she confirmed she had received.

She said the council had notified police because of concerns about Mr Swan’s wellbeing.

As of yesterday afternoon, the page was still active.

Cr Enders said it was unfortunate negative content was being posted online.

“The personal invasion of anybody’s life is unforgivable,’’ she said.

“My motto has always been if you’re unable to say something to someone’s face, then don’t say it at all.”

The page administrator denied addresses had been posted on the page.

“The group is about awareness,’’ he said.

“Facebook does not seem to have a problem with this group.”

Mr Shelton did not directly address the specific page, but said the Government was working on a range of actions to tackle the issue of cyber bullying.

“Bullying and harassment on social media and other online platforms is unacceptable and it is important everyone in the community is mindful of the importance of raising concerns and issues in a respectful manner,’’ he said.

The complaints about the page come after Derwent Valley councillor Rachel Power quit over the toll of being subjected to personal attacks.

Her resignation sparked an outpouring of support from councillors around the state. For 24/7 crisis support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.