JULY 30, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Ewe need shelter, too Ewe are being encouraged to help sheep flock to shelter. Edgar’s Mission founder and director Pam Ahern is petitioning to enforce sheep shelter as a legal requirement in Australia. Ms Ahern said it was disappointing that not all Australians could see the conditions sheep had to endure. “Shelter doesn’t have to actually take the form of a physical structure like a shed, it can just be trees or shrubs,” she said. “Native grasses can form shelter for sheep as well. They might be more inclined to use that than a shelter. “People would be appalled if this happened to cats and dogs. But because these animals are sheep, they tend to be out of sight, out of mind – we feel that’s not good enough. “We pride ourselves on being an animal-loving nation.” Ms Ahern said the petition had been well received by the community. “It’s really shooting up,” she said. “We are getting a lot of support even some farmers have contacted me and said ‘good on you’. The petition can be found at: bit. ly/2JOIjjN Paula Jewell with lambs in a shelter. (Shawn Smits)
Jessica Micallef
Cubby house torn down 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 The Jacksons Creek cubby house. (Jessica Micallef) on Friday, July 26. Parent Michelle Bourne said the cubby house around the project. They’ve been doing was a great project initiated by local children. nothing wrong down there … I just think it’s “They all came together and they did it disappointing that council hasn’t taken the spontaneously,” she said. “They’ve taken a lot opportunity to work with the children on this. of pride in it – there’s been a lot of excitement 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 $120
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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.
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