Hi All,
Please see below latest email correspondence from the City of Melbourne.
In summary, they have taken all this time to review, have essentially repeated their previous position with a slight adjustment and consider the matter closed.
I however will take the time to carefully consider my response and options available to me and will respond accordingly in good time. Rest assured, the matter is not closed and that I will pursue this to a successful outcome.
If you wish to get in touch to provide your thoughts, feel free to contact me any time.
I have many options available to me to ensure we get the support we need.
Regards,
Sam Aftasi
Yarras Edge
yarrasedgesuburb@gmail.com
0401675514
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From: Julian Edwards <Julian.Edwards@melbourne.vic.gov.au>
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 4:35 PM
Cc: Sam Aftasi <yarrasedgesuburb@gmail.com>; Deborah White <Deborah.White@melbourne.vic.gov.au>; Matthew Metaxas <Matthew.Metaxas@melbourne.vic.gov.au>
Subject: RE: Correspondence from the City of Melbourne RE: Proposal to Change Suburb Name and Postcode (SF WO 1056295)
Hi Sam,
Thank you for your continued engagement and patience regarding the proposed renaming of part of Docklands to “Yarra’s Edge,” and for the detailed submission and follow-up correspondence you have provided.
Council has carefully considered the matters you raised, including the additional context, examples, and arguments addressing the Naming Rules for places in Victoria. We acknowledge the effort made to respond constructively to the concerns previously identified.
However, following further review — including formal advice from Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) — Council’s position remains unchanged, and the proposal is not supported. While your correspondence sought to address specific aspects of the Naming Rules, GNV’s advice confirms that the key constraints are substantive and not matters that can be resolved through clarification or additional context alone.
In particular:
Duplication and use of “Yarra”
GNV has confirmed that the proposed name represents a duplication in a national context. The requirement for unique suburb names across Australia is a fundamental principle, and the widespread existing use of “Yarra” in locality names precludes the introduction of additional suburb names incorporating this term.
Commercial association (Principle J)
“Yarra’s Edge” is recognised as originating from a developer-led estate name and retains a clear commercial association. GNV’s advice is that such names should not be formalised for locality naming purposes, regardless of the extent of informal or community usage.
Locality size and strategic considerations
The proposed locality is of a scale that does not meet established expectations for the creation of new suburbs. GNV has confirmed that the relevant statutory guidance, including Section 5 (Localities), does not support the establishment of a suburb of this size.
Council acknowledges your view that the proposal aligns with the intent of the Naming Rules when considered in context and against precedent. However, both Council and GNV are satisfied that the proposal does not meet the applicable requirements, and that the issues identified are determinative.
Accordingly, Council reiterates that it will not be progressing the proposed renaming.
We appreciate the intent behind your proposal and your willingness to engage with the process. Should you wish to explore alternative naming opportunities in the future that are consistent with the Naming Rules and Council policy, we would be open to further discussion.
In the interests of clarity, this correspondence formally concludes Council’s consideration of this matter.
Thank you again for your engagement.
Kind regards,
Julian Edwards (he/him) | Director Planning and Building | Strategy, Planning and Climate Change
City of Melbourne | Council House 2, 240 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 | GPO Box 1603 Melbourne VIC 3001
T: 9658 9788 | M: 0422 181 863 | E: julian.edwards@melbourne.vic.gov.au