Hume council moved to rename Craigieburn Park ‘Craigieburn Anzac Park’ at their recent meeting – a decision that was not endorsed by councillors in June.
The Craigieburn Park development secured $48.5 million in federal funding to transform a 12.14-hectare lot into a regional athletics centre, an aquatic and leisure centre, event space and park areas with pathways and playgrounds.
Council wrote to the Veterans Affairs Department to advise of its intention to formally recognise a section of the park as a dedicated Anzac memorial.
The name change received mostly positive feedback during consultation earlier this year.
Cr Jack Medcraft voted against the name change because he believed the Anzac moniker would be brought into disrepute.
“The Anzac name needs to be respected, and we don’t want anything to hinder that,” Cr Medcraft said.
“If there are people who might cause trouble and engage in drinking alcohol or vandalism, the name that will be across the headlines in the media will be Craigieburn Anzac Park.”
Youth, sport and recreation portfolio councillor Casey Nunn said the park would play a critical role as a community asset.
“Of those who responded online, 62 per cent supported the naming of the park,” she said. “And the sentiment of commemoration was overwhelmingly positive.”
Craigieburn Anzac Park name has been submitted to the Register of Geographical Names.
