THE SHACKS:

In a news item on ABC TV, early in January 2003, Milang was described as a sleepy holiday shack community and if you think of the area to the West of the jetty this description has much to commend it.

Neat rows of small shacks line the foreshore, looking out over shady green lawns and sandy beaches to the water of the Lake where families can enjoy all kinds of holiday activities in safety.

This area was not always such an idyllic spot. Early photographs of Milang show low-lying mudflats and none of the attractive features which we see today.

In fact most of the improvements in the area have been achieved by the shackowners themselves, with help from groups such as the Milang Progress Association: filling low-lying sites to prevent flooding; using the sand from dredging to extend the foreshore; planting lawn and trees; building small jetties, developing a boat ramp.

Although this has been done by the shackies, since it is public land there has never been any restriction on public access to the area and others have been able to share it beauty.

However, in thirty years time this may all be just a memory as it is a unique development which doesn't fit the neat categories of bureaucratic nicety.