UPDATE: Hume Council is moving swiftly to rename seven local drains to better reflect their historical and cultural significance. During a meeting on July 28, 2023, councillors voted to contact relevant authorities, including Geographic Names Victoria and Melbourne Water, to seek approval for this significant change.
The proposal, championed by Councillor Karen Sherry, aims to transform the names of these drains into creeks, emphasizing their environmental importance. Among the waterways targeted for renaming are the Otway Crescent Drain and Warantina Drain in Broadmeadows, the Broad Street Drain in Attwood, and the Somerset Road Drain in Campbellfield, alongside others in Sunbury, Greenvale, and Roxburgh Park.
Councillor Sherry highlighted the historical context behind the proposal, referencing David Widdowson’s work, Down the Drain – Lost Tributaries of the Moonee Ponds Creek. She stated that urban planning practices in the 19th and 20th centuries have led to the reduction of waterways to mere underground drains, a practice she believes needs to be reversed.
“Calling them a drain is a mistake of the past and does not reflect the true value of these places,” Sherry stated, emphasizing the need to restore the waterways’ dignity. She continued, “There certainly wasn’t the attraction we now feel to waterways. We’d be aghast if we concreted a creek now, but that wasn’t the case in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.”
The council is also seeking formal support from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the region is respected and included in the renaming process.
This urgent initiative not only aims to enhance community awareness of the waterways but also seeks to rectify past urban planning oversights. The potential name changes represent a significant shift in how local residents view these essential natural resources.
Residents are encouraged to follow this developing story as Hume Council takes steps to elevate the status of these waterways. The proposed changes are set to impact community engagement with the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural landscape.
The next steps will involve consultations with the relevant authorities, and updates will be provided as this situation evolves. Stay tuned for more information on this critical development in Hume.
