Well-known Warburton tree house home of artist Boinga Bob could be demolished

ARTIST Boinga Bob’s tree house home in Melbourne’s outer east is a tourist attraction, but the council says it’s ‘dilapidated and unsafe’.

The council has raised concerns about the long-term structural integrity of Robert Prudhoe’s Warburton tree house. Picture: Steve Tanner

PUBLIC safety fears could force the demolition of Warburton’s landmark three-storey tree house.

The Tibetan temple-inspired tourist attraction has been home to Warburton artist Robert Prudhoe, known as “Boinga Bob”, for more than 20 years.

But now Yarra Ranges Council — which says there is no planning permit for the structure — says it is “dilapidated and unsafe”.

Bob, 76, had a heart attack last year and says he needs help to bring the tree house up to scratch. Picture: Steve Tanner

The council’s building surveyor Robert Flynn said the council had been aware of issues “for a number of years”, but so far no deadline had been set to fix the problems.

“There is a concern that the condition of the structure has deteriorated after being exposed to the weather over a number of years,” Mr Flynn said.

He said the house was also a potential fire hazard, as it had not been properly weatherproofed, meaning water could penetrate electrical outlets.

The tree house is nearly 5m high and hand carved from recycled timber.

The council says the three-storey structure is unsafe. Picture: Steve Tanner

Mr Prudhoe, aka Boinga Bob, has lived in the tree house for more than 20 years. Picture: Steve Tanner

It has a phone line, electricity, running water and contains a kitchen, dining area and three bedrooms.

The tree house also encroaches on council and State Government land.

Mr Prudhoe said he was aware of his masterpiece’s problems but had suffered a heart attack last year and wasn’t in a position to fix them.

“There are some issues I would like to do myself but I need help because I’m now 76 and I had a quadruple bypass,” Mr Prudhoe said.

The council has asked Mr Prudhoe to engage a structural engineer and a private building surveyor to assess the problems.

A Save Boinga Bob’s House page on Facebook has attracted widespread support. Picture: Steve Tanner

Mr Prudhoe said he was happy to work with the council to improve safety for visitors.

“Maybe the council could help me with some grant money to fix things up a bit,” he said.

But the council said it had no plans to help out financially.

Yarra Ranges’ manager of development services Damian Closs said the council would work with Mr Prudhoe to address issues.

“Council understands the significance of the house from a tourism perspective and is keen to … find a resolution,” he said.

Locals have rallied to help, with a Save Boinga Bob’s House Facebook page attracting more than 1800 members.