The issue of developers building on public parkland is a problem in many parts of Victoria today.

In our case, it is Greater Shepparton Council in agreement with state authority VicUrban planning to develop 150 housing lots on the significant heritage valued former International Village site at Parkside Gardens.

City Council has once again indicated that, in all probability, it will proceed with this residential development despite state government policies such as 2030, and the Heritage Act enacted in Parliament to protect communities from this occurrence.

The only option for this community and the many other hurting Victorians is that the State Ministers charged with planning decisions which impact on social health and well-being, override the developers seeking to destroy valued public space. This has now become the only way to protect Parkside Gardens for future generations.

Pat Moran

Spokesperson for Friends of Parkside Gardens.