Longreach community to have say on creek name change

Queenslanders can have their say on a proposal to change the name of Longreach’s Black Gin Creek to a name that better represents the local First Nations community.   

Bidjara man Trevor Robinson said changing the name to Watyakan, an Iningai word meaning women’s creek, was the right thing to do.

“In my view, not only is the current name intolerable to First Nations people but also to the wider community, especially women,” he said.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said there was strong support to change Black Gin Creek to Watyakan Creek from the Longreach Regional Council and wider community.

“The Iningai and Bidjara people requested to change the insensitive name with strong support from the Longreach Regional Council,” Mr Stewart said.

“This creek is a site of cultural importance to the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and the current name does not give the site the respect it deserves.

“Changing the name to an Iningai word is a chance to embrace the traditional custodians of the land and their continued connection to environment and culture.

“The Palaszczuk Government will continue to work with First Nations peoples to formally rename insensitive sites.”

The existing name of Black Gin Creek first appeared on maps from about 1887 and covers the watercourse as it journeys from southeast of Ilfracombe before joining the Thompson River.

Mr Stewart said consultation will run from 8 July 2022 to 9 September 2022. 

“We will engage with the community and I encourage all interested people and groups in Longreach to have their say on the place name change,” he said.

“This is a chance for everyone to have their voices heard.”

For more information on the proposal and to submit a comment please visit https://haveyoursay.resources.qld.gov.au/watyakan-creek

ENDS

Media contact: Chris Lees 0434 859 940