ADDITIONAL heritage controls for the Mitchell Shire have been announced, to protect the regions unique character, monuments and rich historic legacy. The approved amendment to the Mitchell Shire Planning Scheme, implements four heritage studies and applies a heritage overlay or significant landscape overlay to about 103 properties throughout the municipality. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, made the announcement last week with Mitchell Shire Mayor, Cr Rodney Parker. Ms Symes said the Minister for Planning approved the changes following advice from an independent planning panel, Mitchell Shire Council and the broader community. Its vital that Victorias irreplaceable heritage buildings, monuments and precincts are recognised and protected for generations to come, Ms Symes said. The amendment confirms the retention of existing heritage controls covering Kilmores Lake Precinct/Lake Environs and extends protection to the Hume and Hovell monument (and a 40 metre radius), 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, an expedition regarded as one of the most important journeys of exploration 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. These assets are important to the local community and a draw card for those visiting the Kilmore area. Cr Parker said protecting the regions character and history was important. This is something that needed to be done and were pleased to see it in place, Cr Parker said. The amendment will come into effect when notice of its approval is published in the Victorian Government Gazette later this week. Caption Text: Protecting history: braving the Kilmore weather last week, Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes visited some of the sites under the heritage overlay with Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Rodney Parker. They are pictured outside The Kilmore International School.