Have your say on proposed new place name

by | Aug 18, 2017 | Media Releases

Members of the public and community groups are being invited to have their say on a proposal to name a geographical feature in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Treasurer and Member for Mulgrave, Curtis Pitt, said the proposal involved formally naming a natural feature near Russell Island as “Catalina Rock”.

“The name ‘Catalina Rock’ has been suggested to honour the flight and ground crews of Royal Australian Air Force and United States Navy Catalina aircraft squadrons based in North Queensland during World War Two,” Mr Pitt said.

“The remains of RAAF Squadron Catalina A24-25 were found between Russell Island and Flora Reef in August 2013, near the currently unnamed geographical feature.

“Although unofficially referred to by some as ‘Little Russell Island’, this geographical feature has no official name and it has been suggested that it would be a fitting tribute to name it ‘Catalina Rock’. It would also complement the existing Catalina memorial in Cairns.

“The proposal has already been supported by a number of groups and agencies including the local traditional owners, the Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji People, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and the Australian Hydrographic Society.

“The public and community groups are now invited to make submissions on the proposal until 20 October 2017.”

Mr Pitt said all feedback would be considered by the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham, before a decision was made on whether to accept, modify or reject the proposal.

Queensland place name plan QPN1321 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 (DNRM) website – www.dnrm.qld.gov.au.

The plan may also be viewed at the DNRM Cairns office on Level 4 Building 2 William McCormack Place, 5B Sheridan Street and the DNRM Townsville office on Level 9 Verde Tower 445 Flinders Street.

Written submissions to either support or oppose the proposal, can be submitted online at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au or sent to Queensland Place Names, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001.

Enquiries about the proposal should be directed to 13 QGOV or by emailing qldplacenames@dnrm.qld.gov.au.