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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Kids' outdoor program halted as council raises safety concerns

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A popular outdoor education program, Forest School SA, has been temporarily shut down by the Mount Barker District Council due to safety concerns.
  • The council cited issues including damage to trees, fire pits, evidence of fires, and activities encroaching on other land, as well as the program's proximity to a freeway without adequate fencing.
  • Organizers expressed shock at the abrupt closure, which has disrupted families and children, though a temporary solution with the Scouts is expected to allow classes to resume next week.

A popular outdoor education program in Mount Barker has been abruptly halted, leaving organizers and families in shock. Forest School SA received an immediate cessation order from the Mount Barker District Council last week, impacting its operations at Anembo Park.

all Forest School activities at the site cease immediately while the matter is being considered

— Mount Barker District CouncilThe email from the council ordering the program to stop operating.

The council cited significant safety concerns identified during a site inspection. These included damage to existing trees, the presence of fire pits and evidence of fires, and activities extending into areas managed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. Notably, the council expressed alarm over swings installed within the reserve and the program's immediate adjacency to the South Eastern Freeway, highlighting a lack of physical barriers or fencing to separate participants from the roadway.

Council has significant concerns regarding the safety risks associated with the current activities being undertaken at the site

— Mount Barker District CouncilStating the council's reasons for the closure.

Program founder Bell Gower described the closure as a "huge shock," noting the emotional distress for employees and the children enrolled. The program had been operating at the site for about a year after relocating from Kuitpo and had previously received council approval. Gower stated that while she has submitted a formal application to resume operations, she doubts a return to the original site is likely.

During the inspection Council officers observed swings installed within the reserve and noted that the area being used for the Forest School is immediately adjacent to the South Eastern Freeway

— Mount Barker District CouncilDetailing specific concerns observed during the site inspection.

As a short-term solution, the Scouts group has agreed to host the program, with classes anticipated to resume next week. Despite this temporary fix, Gower acknowledged the significant disruption to the families and children who had become caretakers of the Anembo Park space over the past year. The program serves about 40 families and attracted hundreds of participants during school holidays.

There [is] no physical barrier or fencing separating participants from the roadway at this location.

— Mount Barker District CouncilHighlighting a critical safety issue regarding freeway proximity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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