New station to remain as ‘Albert Street’ for time being, after consultation process that showed strong support for ‘Meanjin’ also revealed concerns over spelling.
Brisbane CBD’s first new train station in more than 120 years will remain as Albert Street, after a community feedback process let the public have their say.
A dedicated page on the Cross River Rail website offered four alternative names deemed to meet strict criteria set by the Department of Transport & Main Roads, with an option for public to also suggest alternative names.
A subsequent review of the community feedback has found that while there was support for all four of the pre-prepared names, this was eclipsed by strong and passionate lobbying via hundreds of detailed submissions for a name that included ‘Meanjin’.
‘Meanjin’ is a name often used to recognise Brisbane’s First Nation’s heritage and given the permanence of a train station name, it was important that any review be sensitive to the views of Traditional Owner groups.
That consultation with Traditional Owners has identified that there are differences in opinion over the spelling, provenance and pronunciation of any indigenous name for Brisbane, and until such time as this can be clarified the Government feels it would be inappropriate to take the idea forward.
Recognising this sensitivity, the station name will be left as ‘Albert Street’ for now.
It was also noted during the review that there is support for re-naming Central Station, with ‘Anzac Square’ put forward as the most supported option.
Some initial consultation has occurred with the Veterans community on the Anzac Square proposal, but this would need further discussion with Queensland veterans and approval from the Federal Government for the use of the term Anzac.
Quotes attributed to Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:
“Thank you to the community for your suggestions in naming what will be a truly transformational underground station for our city.
“The public consultation process showed strong support for ‘Meanjin’ however given concerns raised by Traditional Owner groups, it is important we do not rush into any decision until we have clarity around the spelling.”
“We have also noted with interest the suggestions that Central Station might be renamed, as well as suggestions such as ‘Anzac Square’, and I have asked that this be looked into as part of any ongoing process.”
“Cross River Rail will be a game-changer for public transport in south east Queensland and I know it will be embraced by visitors and locals alike, just like our 50 cent fares.”
