- The surrounding 1 kilometre of waterways, designed in the shape of protective 'arms' enveloping the cultural landscaped areas within them. Smaller canals of water in the park lead to the large outdoor amphitheatre, shaped as a human heart. This is a unique example of landscaped symbolism. VicUrban plans to fill in these beautiful waterways and sell the blocks of land for housing.
- The various sites dedicated and used by ethnic communities to showcase the cultures of their respective homelands. This was an important part of Shepparton's social development and many migrants want those sites retained. VicUrban has not shown any evidence of the slightest concern for the destruction of these socially important sites.
- Pottery plaques, Rotaract Barbeque, Chinese 'lake' with dragon rock, Japanese Gardens, trees planted by the community, original children's playground; all part of our heritage, all to be destroyed at the hands of VicUrban.
Greater Shepparton Botanic Gardens Ass. Inc
VicUrban.What principles ?
VicUrban espouses the principles of Sustainability, Affordability and Community;
all very noble ideals you would say. But what Vicurban is not telling is that it is currently planning a housing estate in Shepparton which will be at the cost of a community's valued park land and heritage.
VicUrban is supposed to be the 'good' developer, the one that helps improve the lives of Victorian communities.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for many in Shepparton.
VicUrban is planning to make profits by destroying our 21 hectare park, including many heritage elements. Parkside Gardens is enclosed by an extensive man-made waterway and was created in the 1970's as The Shepparton International Village.
For many years, the Shepparton community worked extremely hard to create this park, which was dedicated to International goodwill, understanding and cultural harmony.
Despite the destruction of several International buildings at the hands of the present Council, the entire park was recently assessed by Heritage Victoria as being of cultural significance to this community.
VICURBAN KNOWS ALL THIS. A representative from VicUrban attended the Heritage Council hearing in Shepparton.
VicUrban knows that what it is doing will destroy the following elements of the cultural landscape;
This is destruction, disguised as 'development'.
The purple coloured area shows the extent of the destruction of the waterways and parkland.
This is all part of the total area recommended for protection by Heritage Victoria, because of its significance to the local community.
The red coloured area (Bangerang Cultural Centre) has been protected by Heritage Victoria.
The blue coloured area (Philippine House Museum) will be protected by a local heritage overlay.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THIS SITE AND WE WILL KEEP YOU IN TOUCH WITH THE ACTIONS OF VICURBAN AS IT GOES ABOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF SHEPPARTON'S PRICELESS HERITAGE AND PARK LAND.
You can contact us:
Has VicUrban been active in your area and were you happy with VicUrban's involvement?
Was it in conjunction with your local Council? Was a loss of public park land involved?
We are interested in your experience and knowledge.
Please contact us if you have some information you would like to share.
The mail and e-mail addresses are listed on the introduction page of this site.
An additional e-mail contact is decor@shepparton.net.au.