MITCHELL SHIRES HISTORIC PLACES RECOGNISED Additional heritage controls have been approved for Mitchell Shire, protecting the regions unique character, monuments and rich historic legacy. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the approved amendment to the Mitchell Shire Planning Scheme implemented four heritage studies and applied a heritage overlay or significant landscape overlay to about 103 properties throughout the municipality. The study identified 86 new heritage places including homesteads, churches and former schools, as well as 10 heritage precincts. Ms Symes said Planning Minister Richard Wynne approved the changes following advice from an independent planning panel, Mitchell Shire Council and the broader community. The amendment confirms the retention of existing heritage controls covering Kilmores Lake Precinct and extends protection to the Hume and Hovell monument, a site of historic significance recently placed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The monument, erected in 1924, recognises the Hume and Hovell expedition of the early 1800s regarded as one of the most important explorations undertaken in eastern Australia. This amendment will protect the landscape, view lines and vegetation values of Kilmores historic outdoor recreation precinct and provides recognition of the significance of the Hume and Hovell monument, Ms Symes said. The amendment will come into effect when notice of its approval is published in the Victoria Government Gazette later this week.