West Tamar Council has voted to write to the state government to ask it to conduct community consultations over the proposal to change the name of the Batman Bridge and install an art sculpure on the site.
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At the council meeting lats week, West Tamar Council voted unanimously to request the state government:
- Initiate historical research and compile information that accurately details the actions and behaviour of John Batman;
- Utilise this information to inform and consult the Tasmanian community, particularly the Aboriginal community
- Undertake consultation with the Aboriginal community to gauge their support for the placement of an art sculpture and plaque at the site of the bridge;
- Provide feedback to the council on the outcomes of this research and consultation.
However, the WTC will not support renaming of the bridge or the installation of an art sculpture and plaque at the site of the bridge until the consultations are carried out and the results endorse the proposals.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The council has written to the state government to encourage starting community consultations and the government are expected to receive the letter next week.
In passing the motion, WTC noted the previous motions from George Town and Launceston, supporting writing to the state government over the Batman Bridge.
In March, George Town Council announced their desire to place a sculpture and plaque commemorating the Litarimirina people at the Batman Bridge but wanted collaboration from Launceston and West Tamar before writing to the state government.
In April, Launceston council voted 5-3 in favour of their motion which seeked to acknowledge the name of the bridge is inappropriate, to write to the state government to request it begins a renaming process and to seek support from the West Tamar Council and George Town Council.
John Batman's part in the genocide of Aboriginal people has been a large factor in the push to renamed the bridge, which resurfaced in 2020 after global push to tear down monuments of racist historical figures.
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Adam Daunt
Sports reporter at The Examiner. Focus on basketball and netball but occasionally rolls the arm over for some cricket coverage in the summer. Previously from Adelaide with a stint in Byron Bay. Get in touch: adam.daunt@examiner.com.au.
Sports reporter at The Examiner. Focus on basketball and netball but occasionally rolls the arm over for some cricket coverage in the summer. Previously from Adelaide with a stint in Byron Bay. Get in touch: adam.daunt@examiner.com.au.
