Proposed Creek Name Honours Sugar Industry Family
What’s in a name? A proposal to recognise a local family’s connection to the Bli Bli area by naming a creek after them has been welcomed by State MP Fiona Simpson.
Ms Simpson advised that Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps had asked for feedback on the proposal to formally name a creek near Bli Bli as Plater Creek to acknowledge the
“In February 2014, the Nambour and District Historical Museum Association suggested formally naming the creek and their proposal has the support of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Maroochy Waterwatch and local historian Joan Bryers,” Mr Cripps said
“The Plater family collectively contributed over 130 years of service to the region’s sugar industry – in particular the Moreton Mill before its closure in 2003.”
Mr Cripps said the creek was chosen as it was the site of a major cane train accident that occurred in 1936 involving three members of the Plater family.
Edgar Plater was the fireman on the steam locomotive “Eudlo” which crashed into the creek along with several carriages when a bridge collapsed from under it. His brother Les was also on the locomotive and their father Charles built the structure that was needed to recover the locomotive from the creek.
Edgar Plater worked as a locomotive driver, earned promotion to work in the mill’s office in charge of the tram lines, bridges and locomotive operations and was also Assistant Chief Cane Inspector. He retired in 1981 after 51 years of service and spent the next 20 years as the Moreton Mill’s honorary historian and consultant.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said that as part of the consultation process local residents and community groups were invited to determine whether the naming proposal had public support with submissions closing on 30 July 2014.
“The sugar cane industry is an important part of the Sunshine Coast’s heritage and it is important to recognise the families who worked hard for many years to build this industry,” Ms Simpson said.
“Families like the Platers made a significant contribution to the local economy and the Sunshine Coast community which spanned decades.”
Queensland place name plan QPN1252 shows the location of the place considered under the proposal and may be viewed at the Department of Natural Resources and Mines Nambour Business Service Centre, 52-64 Currie Street, Centenary Square, Nambour..
Copies of the proposal plan can also be downloaded from the Queensland Place Names section atwww.dnrm.qld.gov.au
Submissions in writing, either in support of or against the proposal, may be submitted online atwww.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 Justin Kingsford on 07 4121 1903 or by email atjustin.kingsford@dnrm.qld.gov.