A campaign to change the name of Middle Gorge station is gathering steam, with community representatives writing to the state government to urge it to choose another name.
As reported by Star Weekly, the government has been facing a public backlash since it announced earlier this month that Marymede station would now be known as Middle Gorge station.
Residents say Middle Gorge station sounds “comical” and like something out of Lord of the Rings.
The government says the name was chosen because the station is near the “popular” Middle Gorge Park.
However, the park is actually several kilometres away in the neighbouring suburb of Yarrambat in Nillumbik shire.
A letter sent to Premier Daniel Andrews, Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan, Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio and Yan Yean MP Danielle Green last week, states the decision has caused major protest in the community.
The letter, written by South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance spokesman Darren Peters, Friends of South Morang secretary Trevor Carroll, Lost Mernda historical group administrator Neil Johnson, Public Transport Users Association secretary Daniel Bowen, and University of Melbourne senior lecturer in urban planning, Dr Crystal Legacy, states most residents objected to the use of Middle Gorge because Middle Gorge Park was several kilometres from the station.
“Middle Gorge is not a well-known location. Many residents who have lived here for decades have written to say they have not heard of it,” the letter states.
The group says the community was also angry at the lack of consultation before announcing the new name.
“Had there been community consultation, it would be certain the name Middle Gorge would not have been chosen considering the feedback since the announcement,” the letter states.
The group says the majority of residents wanted South Morang station to be renamed as Plenty Valley, allowing Middle Gorge to be named as South Morang.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the government had followed naming protocols, with stations unable to be named after people or businesses.
“I am confident our community will understand and accept the rationale for the protocol and will enjoy this fantastic new project providing much-needed public transport for our community,” she said.
