Much discussion in the NEWS recently about Greater Shepparton's lack of tourism attractions.

Terry Court suggests the need for a local "icon". Well Terry, we already have the former International Village (now Parkside Gardens) surrounded by magnificent waterways and abundant flora and fauna.

Over the past eight years feasibility study consultants and visiting experts have told the incumbent Council that this site has huge potential to become such an icon.

Nick Romanowski, zoologist and author of many books on aspects of horticulture and aquaculture, told the State Planning Panel members in 2004 that:

"To bulldoze the waterways to make subsistence-prone, poor quality housing sites would be a waste not only of future funds, but also the considerable amount of work which has already gone into landscaping Parkside....it is already an asset for Shepparton".

The 20-hectare site is on the brink of becoming filled in and built upon. Rumour has it that it will become "The Grove Lakeside" a residential estate like so many others in Greater Shepparton.

Council has appointed the State's VicUrban as developers. VicUrban also re-develops Victorian public space landscapes with innovative design potential.

Our Councillors would do better to reverse this gross planning and re-zoning decision before our significant heritage recommended parkland is lost forever to community and visitors to our City.

Pat Moran