Island businesses strongly support a dual island name for Russell Island.
A survey of island businesses on Russell has revealed strong support for the name change, despite claims by some that such a change would be a heavy cost burden on business.
“That is a fabrication,” says Russell Island Shopping Centre owners Ian and Christine Larkman.
“The cost to change a name is minimal.”
The couple have long supported an island name change.
So much so that their businesses are already called Canaipa Developments and Canaipa Investments.
Another with the Canaipa name is Canaipa Nursery and Tea Garden owned by Jacqui Torbet.
“I love the Canaipa name.
“I think it is far more friendly and appropriate for our island,” she told The Friendly Bay Islander.
Anthony and Katrina Gleeson of the Russell Island Post Office, would also like to see the name change.
“We would have no hesitation in changing the Post Office name to Canaipa Island Post Office.
“We think it is a uniting name and provides a positive future for our island,” they said.
Russell Island Pharmacist Don Frost says he can understand the name change.
“I think Canaipa is a much nicer name. I just hope it doesn’t involve a cost to business.”
On that score, Cr Mark Edwards said that the cost of the name change is minimal.
“Historically, even if the came Canaipa is eventually adopted, historically the island will still be known and remembered as Russell Island.
“What people need to remember is that the island was originally named Canaipa, prior to settlement.
“Also, things like maps and printed material are being updated all the time and it would be relatively easy to amalgamate the new names in that process at little cost,” the councillor said.
Offering a solid ‘no’ to the name change is Ned Kovasich of the Aunty Alice Cafe.
“I think the cost of the name change could be better spent elsewhere,” she said.
Islanders have until July 29 to make comment on the proposed dual name for Russell/Canaipa Island.
If the first change is supported, the name will then revert to Russell Island/Canaipa Island, until eventually the name Russell Island is discontinued and retained for historical purposes.
To find out more visit dnrm.qld.gov.au and go to the Queensland Place Names section. The proposal for Russell Island is Queensland place name plan QPN1271 .
Submissions in writing, either in support of or against the proposal, can be submitted online at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au or sent to Queensland Place Names, Level 9 Landcentre, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001.
Enquiries about the proposal should be directed to Senior Spatial Information Officer Ross Norman on (07) 5451 2252 or by emailing ross.norman@dnrm.qld.gov.au.
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