Macedon Ranges Council to demolish Gisborne cubby house

It started as a school holiday project by a group of teens, who collected sticks and bought furniture from an op-shop to make a cubby. But then people complained about the “illegal structure” on council land and now its future is shaky.

Macedon Ranges Council is demolishing a cubby house

Macedon Ranges Council will demolish a much-loved cubby house despite community pleas.

The hut, built on council land along the creek behind Dixon Field in Gisborne, was a school holiday project for a group of local teenagers.

The Leader understands a sign was placed at the site revealing the structure would be demolished on Friday, July 26.

The council’s chief executive Margot Stork said it supported “exploring and being adventurous in our beautiful shire, but with that comes learning about being 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 notice placed on the cubby house said the structure would be removed on Friday.

Emma and Genevieve, mothers of two of the boys, who asked the Leader not publish their last names, said the group had built the hut from sticks and materials found along the creek.

“It started as a space where it was just somewhere in nature to sit, talk and swing into the water,” Genevieve said. “They’re so proud of what they’ve made.”

Emma said the group had built the hut from sticks and materials found lying along the creek.

“They haven’t been cutting down trees. They’ve been to the op-shop to get furniture,” she said.

Both mums said while they understood the council’s point of view, the benefits outweighed the concerns.

The cubby house has been taped off by Macedon Ranges Council.

The cubby house generated community interest on social media, with one group offering to support the project financially.

Gisborne Village Shopping Centre manager Peta Carl said the group had heard about the cubby house and were interested in supporting it.

“We’re just here to offer some support to the community, whether or not it might be financial in regards to making it (the cubby house) structurally sound or safe for the community.”

Another mum, Michelle Bourne, said the project was great for improving mental health among the area’s young people.

MORE: PARKING FRUSTRATIONS PLAGUE GISBORNE

HUGE DEVELOPMENT TO SHAPE GISBORNE, RIDDELLS CREEK

MACEDON RANGES MOTORISTS WARNED ABOUT BLACK ICE

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

“I think it’s disappointing 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.”

The council cited problems with litter around the site, tree removal and steps cut into the bank of the creek, but didn’t respond to questions as to whether it was willing to negotiate with the group about the cubby house.

It had investigated complaints from residents regarding the “illegal structure”.

[e-mail]