Redland City residents are being encouraged to have their say on a proposal to use the traditional indigenous name Canaipa Island to refer to Russell Island.
Division 5 Councillor for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands Mark Edwards said Minister for State Development Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham was inviting feedback on the proposal, which came following a request from Council last year.
“Changing the name of Russell Island back to its traditional indigenous name Canaipa Island has been a topic of discussion in the community for a number of years, so it is great the community now has the opportunity to have their say formally,” Cr Edwards said.
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“The Bay Islands Chamber of Commerce actively engaged with the local community prior to approaching Redland City Council last year to ask for our in-principle support for the proposed name change.
“Council supported the community by writing to the State Government as the ultimate decision-makers, asking them to consider the request and I am pleased that they have responded by calling for submissions.
“The State proposal includes the two names, Russell and Canaipa Island, co-existing for a period of time to provide a seamless transition.
“All residents are encouraged to have their say on the proposal by 29 July 2015 by going to the Queensland Place Names section on the Department of Natural Resources and Mines website – www.dnrm.qld.gov.au.”
Cr Edwards said using the name Canaipa Island would acknowledge the island’s traditional owners, the Quandamooka People.
“The proposed name change will strengthen the Redlands’ acknowledgement of the region’s traditional owners, as well as adding to the island’s tourism appeal by highlighting its strong history and cultural connections,” he said.
“There are already a number of references to Canaipa on the island and the Quandamooka People have always referred to the island as Canaipa Island, so this name in a sense is already being used.
“The Quandamooka People have been engaged regarding this proposal and they are supportive of the name change and have indicated if it were to proceed they would like to perform a traditional ceremony on Canaipa each year to acknowledge and celebrate the occasion.
“The exact meaning of Canaipa is reportedly derived from the Aboriginal word meaning place of ironbark spear.”
To make a submission to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines
Queensland place name plan QPN1271 shows the location of the place considered under the proposal and may be viewed at the Queensland Place Names section on the Department of Natural Resources and Mines website – www.dnrm.qld.gov.au .
Submissions in writing, either in support of or against the proposal, can be submitted online at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au or sent to Queensland Place Names, Level 9 Landcentre, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001.
Enquiries about the proposal should be directed to Department of Natural Resources and Mines.
