A series of posts have been launched against councillors in recent months, the latest seen by The Standard took aim at Cr Kylie Gaston. 

Businesswoman Amanda Lowen, who had co-ordinated a campaign against a proposed trader’s levy last year, used a Facebook page purporting to be a council watchdog to criticise Cr Gaston on Tuesday.

She labelled Cr Gaston “a poor, sad excuse for a human being” and that “the karma bus will hit her so hard and I will be standing there laughing my head off”. 

Her post was “liked” by a personal Facebook profile under Cr Peter Hulin’s name. 

Ms Lowen’s post was in response to Cr Gaston moving a motion on Monday to eliminate general business questions at open council meetings.

It comes after the city’s tourism manager Peter Abbott was reprimanded in January for posting anonymously on The Standard’s website, attacking Crs Hulin, Brian Kelson and Peter Sycopoulis.  

When asked about the post, Cr Gaston said it was disappointing a business person had got personal.

“I’m happy for people to attack my decision-making,” Cr Gaston said.

"But personal attacks are highly inappropriate.

“It’s also extremely disappointing a council colleague would like such a comment and it’s unfortunate we have to have personal attacks.”

The Standard was told Ms Lowen would not want to comment on the issue when called. Cr Hulin is on a leave of absence and was unable to be contacted. 

Cr Neoh said personal attacks on social media across the community were poor form.

“You will always have people who agree or disagree with your decision-making. You expect that,” he said. 

“But it’s quite childish to attack anyone personally.

“There needs to be a lot more accountability for what people post on social media. It’s cyber bullying.

“People seem to think social media is different to what can be printed in a newspaper, but it’s not and laws are starting to catch up.”