ECHIDNA CREEK TO BE OFFICIALLY NAMED

Residents are invited to have their say on the official naming of Echidna Creek at Mapleton on the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the department had been approached by Maroochy Water Watch Inc to officially name the creek.

The Department of Natural Resources and Water administers the Place Names Act 1994, which officially controls the naming of localities, suburbs and geographical features in local government areas.

“The proposal to name Echidna Creek originated in 2000, after a group of local residents met to discuss a grant to rehabilitate and revegetate the degraded stream. Echidnas are present in the area, so an agreement on the name was reached, ” Mr Wallace said.

“The revegetation application was successful and in 2001, more than 18,000 trees were planted as part of the Healthy Waterways Project.”

A plan illustrating the proposal is available for public inspection at the Department of Natural Resources and Water, ground floor, Centenary Building, Currie Street, Nambour; Maroochy Shire Council, Eddie De Vere Building, corner Currie and Bury streets, Nambour; Maroochy Water Watch, Centrepark Arcade, Currie Street, Nambour; and at the Nambour Library.

Mr Wallace said written submissions can be lodged with the Regional Services Director, South East Region, Ipswich Office, Department of Natural Resources and Water, PO Box 864, Ipswich Q 4305 until August 10, 2007.

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, on 3896 3694 or 0414 213 954.