Mining water for use in plastic bottles has become a divisive issue in Stanley.

Tim Carey was allowed to extract water from his Stanley property following a long court battle, but Indigo councillors in March blocked Boyd Collins from doing the same because they were concerned about the impact on the region’s water supply.

His brother Neil Collins told Tuesday’s council meeting that opponents had crossed the line.

“Is council aware of the disgusting way this anti-water mob are conducting themselves in and around Stanley, with stone-throwing, gesturing and painting signs on the road?” he said.

Mayor Jenny O’Connor said she was taking the issue seriously.

“We’ve raised this with the Stanley Rural Community Inc people and they have said they will ensure that their members get the message that it’s not acceptable behaviour,” she said.

“It’s certainly the message from council to say that whatever your views may be about any issue, we expect people to treat each other with respect.”

Mr Collins questioned the council’s opposition to water mining.

“Why is council denying people fresh, clean, pure drinking water when all council can offer is adulterated, animal and bird-contaminated, chemical-added dam water for human consumption?” he said.

Boyd Collins also accused councillors of refusing his application without proper consideration, saying it “was a pre-considered pantomime”.

“The (Indigo Shire) water that comes from the mains is not dam water, it’s actually treated, potable water that isn’t contaminated,” Cr O’Connor said.

“There’s also an issue of plastic-contaminated water in plastic bottles that’s causing issues for the World Health Organisation, so I guess the real issue is how to ensure people have clean, drinking water and that’s certainly what our water authorities guarantee at this stage.”