The potential renaming of Mount Tabletop has moved a step closer with Toowoomba Regional Council endorsing a motion to consult with Traditional Custodians and registered Aboriginal Parties on the idea.
Moved at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 15 November, Mayor Paul Antonio said it was of critical importance to speak with Traditional Custodians and registered Aboriginal Parties before consulting with the wider community.
"The Department of Resources has outlined the process for submitting a new name and one of the key considerations they take into account is whether the level of consultation is adequate," Mayor Antonio said.
"Since the topic was first raised there has been a lot of community feedback on how we should refer to Mount Tabletop.
"While it's encouraging to see so much support on this matter, we need to first engage with the Traditional Custodians and registered Aboriginal Parties prior to consultation with the community.
"It's also important we work cooperatively with the Lockyer Valley Regional Council throughout the consultation phase.
"Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee is supportive of this process as there may be distinct cultural rights we're not aware of.
"With Council endorsing this motion, officers will now progress this matter, ensuring we engage with all relevant stakeholders, as advised by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships."
At the meeting on 15 November, Councillors voted:
That Council
- consult with the Traditional Custodians and registered Aboriginal Parties (as advised by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships) prior to committing further consultation regarding the proposal to rename Mount Tabletop.
- be advised of the outcome from the consultation with Traditional Custodians and registered Aboriginal Parties, prior to wider consultation with the community.
- work cooperatively with Lockyer Valley Regional Council throughout the consultation phase to achieve a name acceptable to all stakeholders.
