New 'North Bank' name up for discussion
Published on 27 June 2018
The City of Launceston will next week consider a potential new name for the area commonly known as 'North Bank'.
While the area on the northern bank of the North Esk River opposite the Seaport has been referred to as 'North Bank' for many years, a street called 'North Bank' already exists in Trevallyn, putting it in conflict with the Nomenclature Board's rules for place names in Tasmania.
Earlier this year, the City of Launceston put out a call to the community for suggestions for an official name for the area — a name which the Council could then recommend to the Nomenclature Board.
More than 160 suggestions were received, including the inevitable — as with any internet naming poll — 'Parky McParkface'.
Other names suggested included 'Cataract Point', 'Confluence Park', 'Junction Point', 'Ponrabbel Park' and many others.
After liaising with the Nomenclature Board, and the QVMAG's Aboriginal Reference Group, the suggestions were narrowed to three: 'Three Rivers Park', 'Lettermairrener Park' and 'Riverbend Park'.
Council officers have recommended that 'Riverbend Park' be selected for recommendation to the Nomenclature Board, and Aldermen will debate and vote on its adoption at Monday's Council meeting.
Due for completion this calendar year, the park redevelopment will include new recreational walking and cycling trails, barbecue facilities, a major new all-abilities playspace, sensory gardens, a parkour area, a 'Sky Walk', events spaces and much more.
A bridge linking the Seaport to the park is nearing completion, with landscaping works expected to begin towards the end of July.
Local schools and disability support agencies such as St Giles have helped the Council select a range of all abilities play equipment for the project.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten thanked everyone who had taken the time to suggest a name.
"It's been clear that people have put a lot of thought into suggesting names for the park, and we saw some very creative ideas," Mayor van Zetten said.
"A lot of those names may not have complied with the Nomenclature Board's Rules For Place Names In Tasmania for one reason or another, which is why they may have been ruled out.
"This redevelopment is going to be something very special for Launceston, and I look forward to the discussion on Monday."