City of Cockburn recognises indigenous and market garden heritages in naming lakes

THE people spoke and Cockburn councillors listened by voting for one of three reserves in Spearwood to be recognised for its market garden history.

In August the City of Cockburn revealed it was looking to re-name three lakes and reserves between Garden Road in Spearwood and Churchill Avenue in Munster.

The lakes, known historically as Market Garden Swamp 1, 2 and 3, were to be given indigenous titles meaning swamp.

But after community consultation returned a number of objections – most centring around a lack of recognition for the European contribution to the area – councillors backed a compromise.

That involved the northern lake and reserve being given the official title Market Garden Swamp, with the centre and southern reserves and lakes re-named Boodjar Mooliny and Binjar.

The City will submit the names to the Geographic Names Committee for approval.

A result is usually expected within six weeks.

The City will also investigate interpretive displays recognising the indigenous and migrant contribution to the area.

“The initial step to naming of the Market Garden Swamps and surrounding reserve is an important action by the City,” Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said.

“However for the community to fully value and appreciate this unique locality the provision of appropriate interpretative signage or plaques needs to occur.

“The necessary research and consultation required to determine the appropriate manner of recognition will take some time and therefore the recommendation for the matter to be considered by the council in its 2017-18 budget deliberations will be timely.”