Russell Island makes the shift to Aboriginal name

Published Tuesday, 26 May, 2015 at 02:52 PM

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Moreton Bay’s Russell Island could be morphing into its Aboriginal name - Canaipa Island - and locals are being invited to have their say about it.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Redland City Council, the Bay Islands Chamber of Commerce and the island’s traditional owners, the Quandamooka People, all supported the gradual change, which would start with a dual name.

“Dual naming is where two names co-exist until the Indigenous name is broadly accepted,” Dr Lynham said.

“Initially the European name, Russell Island, appears first and the indigenous name, Canaipa Island, appears second.”

Submissions have opened on this first stage of the process and remain open until 29 July.

Dr Lynham said the Canaipa Island name had deep cultural significance for the Quandamooka People.

“In the local dialect of the Bunjalung language Canaipa means place of ironbark spear,” he said.

“The name Canaipa is well known and already exists as a name for the point on the island and the passage adjoining the island.

“The dual naming proposal will also address the stigma attached to the name Russell Island.”

If the first change is supported, the name will then revert to Canaipa Island/Russell Island, until eventually the name Russell Island is discontinued and retained for historical purposes.

To find out more visit dnrm.qld.gov.au and go to the Queensland Place Names section. The proposal for Russell Island is Queensland place name plan QPN1271 .

Submissions in writing, either in support of or against the proposal, can be submitted online at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au or sent to Queensland Place Names, Level 9 Landcentre, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001.

Enquiries about the proposal should be directed to Senior Spatial Information Officer Ross Norman on (07) 5451 2252 or by emailing ross.norman@dnrm.qld.gov.au.

 

ENDS

26 May 2015

Media inquiries:        Jan Martin      3719 7370