Historically, it is unusual for a council to undertake wholesale changes of this magnitude, ignoring the recommendations of its professional planning officers, consultants and Heritage Advisory Committee working under the supervision of Heritage Victoria and the Victorian government’s guidelines.

The statement, “... don’t believe these places have a history or a historical significance that requires protection” (The Border Mail, March 31) beggars belief, for it admits councillors have not done their homework which was a written assessment on each building and its preservation.

Many were built 60 to 144 years ago, and have been researched, restored and maintained by owners who will be disappointed not to have heritage approval, their only protection from demolition with change of ownership.

They are as important as the railways goods shed which some councillors wanted demolished but now would fight to keep.

Heritage and tourism are continuing sources of income; the high rise apartments which could be built on the rubble of demolished heritage buildings are found in every town.

I ask Wodonga councillors to rescind their motion and restore all recommended buildings to their rightful place so councillors will be well-judged by coming generations and not condemned for lacking foresight.

— JEAN WHITLA,

Wodonga