Council tears town Gisborne students’ cubby house

A school holiday project has ended in despair after a cubby house was demolished because it sat on council land. The students involved have slammed the move, saying building the hut made their friendships stronger.

Aidan, Jack, Fintan, Jack, Austin and Sam were among the boys who built the cubbyhouse. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Heartbroken kids have hit back at Macedon Ranges Council after it tore down their cubby house, despite community outrage.

The shanty hut, built on council land along a creek behind Dixon Field in Gisborne, was demolished about 7am on Friday.

Macedon Ranges Leader has been told the hut was started as a school holiday project by teenagers.

Students Sam and Austin said the hut took them about six weeks to build.

“It doesn’t feel good (to have the hut torn town),” Sam said.

“It got us outside and brought us together. Friendships became stronger.”

Glenn Burnell, father of one of the boys, said they were disappointed with the council’s decision.

“With all the bad news stories about what kids are getting up to, this was a good story,” he said.

Mr Burnell said the community had come out of the woodwork to support the cubbyhouse, with one local business even offering financial aid.

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“The community support has been fantastic. I don’t think there’s been a single negative comment about what the kids were up to,” he said.

The council’s acting assets and operations director Anne-Louise Lindner confirmed the cubby had been removed and “rehabilitation works” undertaken so the site was safe.

“Council acknowledges that there is strong community sentiment regarding this issue,” she said.

“However, we have an obligation to enforce the local laws, ensure the environment is preserved and, most importantly, that the area is safe for everyone in the community to enjoy.”

The council cited issues with tree removal, steps cut into the side of the bank and litter.

The cubbyhouse in Gisborne before it was demolished on Friday.

Chief executive Margot Stork said earlier this week while the council supported “exploring and being adventurous in our beautiful local shire” people needed to be “respectful to the natural environment and to others, such as seeking permission when it is not your land or property”.

“No one has the right to build anything on land which is owned by anyone else without permission, and that includes council-owned land,” Ms Stork 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.”

The council taped off the hut by the river.

Mum Michelle Bourne said the council had missed the opportunity to engage with local youth.

“What a great project initiated by kids for good mental health,” she said.

“I think it’s disappointing that they council hasn’t taken the opportunity to work with the children on this.

“They’ve got local youth engaged in something positive and constructive, and they’ve missed the boat.”