The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) has called out the behaviour of some community members with reports of recovery crews being assaulted.
In the latest incident, a recovery team member was physically assaulted while in the cab of his truck.
TLDMG Chair Jenny Hill said that kind of behaviour would not be tolerated.
“It’s not only physical abuse, as people involved in the recovery efforts are being subjected to verbal and online abuse as well,” Cr Hill said.
“Council team members and contractors are working as hard as they can as fast as they can to clean up following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
“There’s a lot of green waste to collect and it has been made even more difficult with the heatwave our region is currently experiencing.
“Please be patient, as the clean-up crews will get to your area as quickly as they can.
“Assaulting people for doing their jobs is not acceptable and this type of behaviour will be called out and reported to police if necessary.”
Cr Hill said more than 30 Council crews were out today collecting green waste.
“If residents want their green waste collected, then they will need to ensure it is on the kerb,” she said.
“If you have green waste that is blocking safe access into or out of your home, then place it out for collection.
“Please ensure it is items like branches and trees and no grass clippings. The grass clippings slow down clean-up efforts and can make crews itchy and uncomfortable.
“Some areas have already had their green waste collected, as clean-up work started on Monday.
“If your green waste hasn’t been collected by next week, then contact Council on 13 48 10.
“Call on your friends and neighbours if you need help moving green waste from your backyard.
“If trees and debris are impacting safe access to your property and you need help, then contact the SES. Otherwise, you may need to engage with a local contractor.
“If you are able to, green waste can be dropped off for free at the Stuart Transfer Station, Hervey Range Transfer Station or at Lou Lister Park.”
