Protectors of Public Lands Victoria is a State wide coalition of over 60 community-action, resident, environment and parks groups located across the State from inner Melbourne to suburbs on Port Phillip Bay and from Inverloch in Gippsland to here in Shepparton. The Friends of Parkside Gardens is a much- valued member.

The motto of our organization is "Keep Public Lands in Public Hands". Many of our member groups are involved in similar battles to that being fought in Shepparton, fighting the alienation of public parkland and the destruction of the environment and heritage places by developments.

Last year we read that City of Greater Shepparton's Parkside Gardens won the Victorian Government 'Year of the Built Environment Award 2004' (the North-East Victoria Section) The patrons were Premier Steve Bracks and then Planning Minister Mary Delahunty). Parkside Gardens was judged to be one of Victoria's favourite places.

We find it incomprehensible that the Greater Shepparton Council and the State Government could now agree to hand over Parkside Gardens for a housing development and that this was done in secrecy.

Protectors of Public Lands Victoria wish the Friends of Parkside Gardens well with your rally today and for your continued campaign in the future. Hands Off Our Parks!

Julianne Bell

Secretary

Protectors of Public Lands Victoria

1 April 2005