Council building reopened after false alarm

9 January, 2014

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s administrative building in Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale was evacuated this morning when a suspicious package was found but has now re-opened for business.

Acting General Manager, Ms Ann Prendergast said “We have recently received a number of threatening messages regarding a rates matter and staff have been on alert about this. When the package was found this morning, emergency services were called and the Police and Fire Brigade attended to secure the area and investigate.

“The safety of staff and the community is very important so evacuation of the building was undertaken as a precaution. Thankfully the package was not an explosive device and once emergency services checked the entire building, we reopened for business.

“The threatening messages received about the rates matter have been passed onto Police as they arrived for a thorough investigation” added Ms Prendergast.

Council wishes to thank both the local Fire Brigade and Police officers who attended and dealt with the matter with great professionalism and calm. Council staff are also commended for acting at all times in an entirely professional and calm manner.