Geographic Naming Proposal

Listen to the audio below for the correct pronunciation of Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng.

 

The 19 kilometre trail between Timboon and Port Campbell (commonly referred to as the Twelve Apostles Trail) was completed in December 2023. 

Initial discussions around formally naming the trail in 2022 presented an opportunity to involve Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC). Council worked with Keerray Wooroong language expert Dr Vicki Couzens to provide a name. 

Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng meaning travel through Country in Keerray Wooroong language was proposed by Vicki and overwhelmingly supported by EMAC as the name for the trail in early 2024. Corangamite Shire Council also sees this name as a meaningful opportunity to re-establish the Keerray Wooroong language into the local landscape. 

The rationale being that the trail traverses across differing places, forms, landscapes, shapes and environments. These are places of differing activities, both now (post-European) and then (pre-European). Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng is an invitation to travel through Country and connect with a culture and language that spans many thousands of years around Port Campbell and Timboon. It will spark conversations around our shared history and connection to place. 

It is a statutory requirement under the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 to register a formal name for any new road, thoroughfare or course navigable by vehicle or foot with Geographic Names Victoria (GNV).

Any directional or interpretive signage cannot be installed along the trail until the formal name is registered. 

The renaming process is outlined in the Naming rules for places in Victoria - Statutory requirement for naming roads, features and localities 2022(DOCX, 19MB)

The following naming principles are applicable in this case:

Principle C - Linking the name to place
Names should have a link to place to ensure the preservation of our cultural heritage

Principle E - Recognition and use of Traditional Owner languages
The use of Traditional Owner languages enables the wider community to be educated about Traditional Owner history and shared culture

Principle K - Language
Geographic names should be easy to pronounce, spell and write, and preferably not exceed three words. An exception to this is in the use of Traditional Owner languages, when it is accepted that Traditional Owner names that initially appear complex will, over time, become familiar and easy to use.

Council, as the naming authority, must consult with adjoining landholders, stakeholders and the wider community, asking for feedback on a proposed name. This feedback is presented to Council with a recommendation. A Council resolution the forms part of the submission to GNV.

Why can't we keep it as the Twelve Apostles Trail?
The name Twelve Apostles Trail was used to piggy-back off high awareness of the iconic attraction and to advocate for Stage 2: Port Campbell to Twelve Apostles.GNV has advised that naming the trail Twelve Apostles Trail would be non-compliant because the trail does not finish at the Twelve Apostles. This name creates a false expectation in visitors that they can reach the Twelve Apostles via the trail, an expectation that is currently not delivered.

Isn't there a plan to extend the trail from Port Campbell to the Twelve Apostles?
Corangamite Shire Council will continue to advocate for funding to plan and construct Stage 2: Port Campbell to Twelve Apostles trail. Considering that it took ten years to secure funding to complete Stage 1: Timboon to Port Campbell, this could take several years, if successful.

What about the Camperdown to Timboon trail?
The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail is managed by a committee on behalf of DEECA. This name is already registered with GNV and the committee wishes to retain the registered name for this section. There is an opportunity to use Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng as an overarching name for both sections for marketing purposes. Eg. Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng: Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail.

Why can’t we have a dual name?
Dual names may only be assigned to geographic features. Dual names cannot be assigned to roads or localities. For the purposes of GNV naming rules, a road is considered to be any public or private land-based thoroughfare or course navigable by vehicle or foot. The trail is therefore considered a road for naming purposes.