War has been declared recently in Victoria on any Government – whether Local, State or Federal – which threatens to alienate, destroy or degrade public lands, open space, parks and gardens for high-rise/high-density developments, carparks, freeways or sporting facilities.

The Protectors of Public Lands (Victoria) has been established as a non-political coalition of environmental, parks and community groups to fight inappropriate development in Victoria and to protect and preserve significant public lands in public hands for present and future generations. So far over 40 groups, including umbrella bodies with many members, from Shepparton to the Surf Coast; from Olinda to the Otways; and from Gippsland to Parkville in the heart of Melbourne, are supporting the PPL (Vic), rallying to the call "Keep Public Lands in Public Hands."

Brian Cuming, a representative of Westernport and Peninsula Conservation Council, comments: "We are delighted with the formation of PPL as our Devilbend (Park) issue has highlighted for us the importance of public ownership in preserving the rapidly dwindling biodiversity in the State now under development pressure."

Kay Hirst of Friends of Burnley Gardens, a supporter of PPL (Vic), says: "In allowing GE to build a high rise, high density office and shopping development amidst the Yarra parklands and next to heritage Burnley Gardens, the Bracks Government has bypassed democracy and appears intent on consigning residents of Yarra and Boroondara to traffic gridlock and parking chaos We are standing firm in our opposition."

Rod Quantock will preside as MC at the forum and speakers will include Melbourne Councillor Kevin Chamberlin; Maire Sheehan, Convenor of PPL NSW and Mayor of Leichhardt; and Michael Leunig, artist and cartoonist. PPL (Vic) members and supporters will have the opportunity to speak during the "Open Mike" segment of the Public Forum about current campaigns to fight threats to parkland and public open space.