By Jessica Micallef
Gisborne families are disappointed a cubby house built by a group of teenagers during the school holidays has been demolished by Macedon Ranges council.
The cubby, built along Jacksons Creek at Dixon Field in Gisborne, was torn down for safety reasons.
A sign placed at the council-owned site last week stated the structure would be demolished on Friday, July 26.
Parent Michelle Bourne said the cubby house was a great project initiated by local children.
“They all came together and they did it spontaneously,” she said. “They’ve taken a lot of pride in it – there’s been a lot of excitement around the project. They’ve been doing nothing wrong down there … I just think it’s disappointing that council hasn’t taken the opportunity to work with the children on this. They’ve missed the boat.”
Parents Emma and Genevieve (who asked that only their first names be used) said the children were proud of their construction.
“It’s really progressed from something pretty small,” Emma said.
Genevieve said: “It started from them just wanting to find a space where they could be with their friends, and at 15-years-old, that’s an understandable thing.
“Other kids got involved because they loved the sound of it. This is a release, it’s something they need.”
While both parents were disappointed the cubby house had been demolished, they understood council’s safety concerns.
“We know safety is paramount to everyone and we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” Emma said. “I know that they [council] value that as well.”
Council chief executive Margot Stork said council had a responsibility to ensure the area was safe and the environment was preserved.
“No one has the right to build anything on land which is owned by anyone else without permission and that includes council-owned land,” she said.
“While we understand some people might wish the hut to be retained, it is not a safe structure and it is not appropriate for this location.”
Council officers visited the site after receiving complaints regarding the “illegal structure”. Officers found damage to the bushland, litter, tree removal and steps cut into the creek bank.
