Council
30 October, 2024
Feedback sought on new trail name
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has worked with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) to propose a formal name for the new trail between Timboon and Port Campbell.
The proposed name is Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng, which means ‘Travel through Country’ in the Keerray Wooroong language.
Corangamite Shire Council chief executive officer David Rae said the name was an opportunity to re-establish Keerray Wooroong language in to the local landscape.
“This is a meaningful step towards reconciliation and working with Traditional Owners to choose a name that connects with a culture and language that spans many thousands of years around Port Campbell and Timboon,” he said.
“It’s also the result of working closely with language expert, Dr Vicki Couzens, over many months and consulting with EMAC.”
“We hope that Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng opens up conversations around our shared history, connection to place, and sparks a larger project around integrated art and storytelling.”
Now construction on the 19-kilometre trail connecting Timboon and Port Campbell has been completed, there is a statutory requirement to formally name the section through Geographic Names Victoria (GNV).
This involves proposing a name, consulting with the community, and council recommending a formal name before lodging an application with GNV.
Mr Rae said while the trail had been commonly known as the Twelve Apostles Trail since 2012, the name did not satisfy GNV protocols.
“This name creates a false expectation that the trail goes to the Twelve Apostles, an expectation that is currently not delivered,” Mr Rae said.
Community members are invited to find out more and provide feedback on the proposed name before a recommendation will go to council’s December meeting.
The community will have until Wednesday, November 27 to have their say on the proposed name change.
To provide feedback or learn more, visit www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/PYM.
Read More: local