Yarra Ranges Council won’t take woman’s backyard back yet

The Mayor of the Yarra Ranges Council has stepped in to help save a family playground from demolition. 

Laura Deane was told council workers would be at her property today to reclaiming land in her backyard by knocking down the fence and play equipment. 

She was told she’d be billed $7,000 for the work. 

But Mayor Jason Callanan has told Neil Mitchell he was shocked to hear the news this morning. 

‘We’re not in the business of tearing kids’ playgrounds down and charging people for that,’ Cr Callanan said.

‘What we’ll do is speak with Laura and make it so her property is no longer on Crown land.’ 

A 28-day extension has been applied.

Ms Deane told Neil it was ‘a small win for us little people’. 

Click play to hear the full interview with Cr Callanan

The council owns the small patch of land that has been inside Ms Deane’s property’s fenceline for 32 years.

On the land is a shed, a sand pit, a cubby house, a trampoline and a swing set.

On May 17, Ms Deane received a letter from the council telling her they’re taking it back.

Ms Deane told Neil her three kids are ‘very distressed’. 

Click play to hear Laura’s story