Maroondah Council threatens youths with police action over bike jumps, ‘dens’ in bushland

UPDATE: Maroondah Council has assured young riders they can still use bushland bike jumps, as long as they adhere to coronavirus restrictions. It comes after they sent out a letter threatening anyone caught making them with police action.

UPDATE: Maroondah Council won’t be fencing off bike jumps in bushland, despite asking residents to report any youths they see trying to make them to police.

The council sent out letters to homes near reserves in Croydon and surrounding suburbs following a reported surge in youths gathering illegally to build mountain bike trails and jumps during the coronavirus outbreak.

In the letter, Operations manager Vincent King said building the structures damaged vegetation, and was a crime under the Planning and Environment Act.

Mr King said the council had also spotted youths making ‘dens’ surrounded by rubbish and was working with Croydon police to curb the issue.

He also urged residents who witnessed any of the behaviour to not approach the youths and report them to police.

Mayor Mike Symon said the council had not ‘closed’ bike jump facilities in the municipality, as they were not considered a “touch transfer risk”.

“However, rules about social distancing and the wearing of masks still apply,” Cr Symon said.

“During the current COVID-19 restrictions, if residents notice any behaviour which contravenes the Victorian Government’s restrictions, including the social distancing rules, they should contact Victoria Police.”

Cr Symon said the council was working with BJ Hubbard and Yarrunga Reserves users to “establish a maintain a bike facility in an appropriate location”.

He said community consultation would recommence once coronavirus restrictions were lifted.

‘WE’RE JUST TRYING TO HAVE FUN’

Croydon mountain bike rider Jack Harberts, 11, said he was angered by the letter and had started an online petition, which has received more than 120 signatures.

“Kids have a right to play but Maroondah City Council tells us we are vandals and criminals if we access the open space,” it stated.

Jack said riding his bike and making jumps with his mates had been a handy outlet for him during his allowed exercise time.

“It’s relaxing and fun and makes you happy,” he said.

“Me and my friends, we don’t make dens and cubbies and stuff, we’re just trying to have fun making jumps.

“Everything has been cancelled, we can’t do any other sport … we just want to have a say and have a place to ride.”

The crackdown was hotly discussed on Maroondah Leader’s Facebook page.

Kim Leanne wrote: “At least when they’re riding the jumps; they’re outside, off their devices and being creative and active, while Linda Churchill said:“ Let kids be kids for goodness sake”.

Kelli Briggs wrote: “Police should focus on finding the kids with spray cans and meth.”

But Vicki Hilder disagreed, saying youths had built jumps which had “wrecked” her local park.
“These parks are to be enjoyed by everyone … build jumps in your own backyard please.”

The council removed bike jumps in Yarrunga Reserve in Croydon Hills earlier this year after they deemed them unsafe or in unsuitable locations.

It then launched a Maroondah-wide review and asked for community input to establish bike jumps “that are respectful to our local environment”.

Croydon police Sergeant Scott McLean said officers were on the lookout for the illegal activities as part of its patrols enforcing the State Government’s coronavirus restrictions.

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