Council, in approving the rezoning of Parkside Gardens for residential development, (150 or 230 lots? NEWS 7th April), is offering no land of equal quality or size to the broader community.

The Minister's panel heard submitters under the Planning and Environment Act of 1987 with little requirement to deal with the future social impact of rezoning established public parkland for housing. No section of the Act deals with this zoning type, only Crown land is protected, e.g. Mooroopna Recreation Reserve. Greater Shepparton community can be assured that Council will leave this alone!

Cr McCamish states (NEWS 7/4): "There are people in north Shepparton that are hanging out for it (the development of Parkside Gardens)". We ask 'Who are they, and why weren't they represented amongst the 480 submitters to this rezoning amendment?"

VicUrban's expression of interest to council (July 2001), sought to relocate the Aboriginal Keeping Place and the Philippine House "on or off the site". Intense media and lobbying pressure has resulted in these excellent cultural and heritage centres retaining their leased sites.

Given the 30 year history of the site, the application to Heritage Victoria was made early March, not "a last ditch bid" as was suggested by the Shepparton News recently! Heritage Victoria is a separate entity to Planning Victoria and the two decisions are therefore separate.

The antiquated 1987 Act is proposed for an update. Only then communities may have adequate protection of their valued and valuable parklands from Victorian commercial and councils demolition activities.

Greater Shepparton Botanic Gardens Ass. Inc

Secretary,Pat Moran