Part of Ferguson Street in Broadford is set for a rename, and Mitchell Shire Council is asking residents for their feedback on a new proposed name and street style.
The street is currently split by the railway line – one part running along the eastern side and the other section on the western side between Hamilton Street and Murchison Street – the side soon to be renamed.
Mitchell Shire acting chief exectuive Mary Agostino said renaming the western section meant street names would be clearer for emergency services and people attempting to locate the correct address.
“Council is a naming authority and has a responsibility to ensure that names meet the naming rules for places in Victoria,” she said.
“The naming rules ensure there are logical and easy to follow and identify street names across the state.”
Council is considering options for a street name that reflects the history of Broadford.
The names were first discussed with affected landowners, Broadford Historical Society and the Taungurung Land and Waters Council in 2019 to identify options.
The options are: Strawboard, which refers to a product manufactured at Broadford Paper Mill in the late 1800s; Butter Factory; and Old Dairy – both of which relate to the Broadford Dairy Company that was historically located in the area.
In addition, the a new name style is also being considered, with three options – street, lane, and way.
Council will continue to notify affected property owners about the proposal’s progress, including relevant dates and other key details.
After consultation, a report will be given to council recommending a new street name, and then submitted to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Geographic Names Victoria division for review and final approval.
Once approved, and changed under the Victorian Government Gazette, mapping systems and the government databases will be updated to in accordance with the name change, which will filter through to individual organisations who use the databases.
Council will notify several bodies and services of the change directly including the Australian and Victorian electoral commissions, water boards and Australia Post.
Residents can offer their feedback through a submission online or by hard copy. Feedback must be submitted by 9am on October 3, 2022.
People can submit feedback at engagingmitchellshire.com/road-naming-partferguson/survey_tools/road-naming-ferguson.
For more information people can call council on 5734 6200.
