Introduction

 

 

 

 

 

My name is Sam Aftasi, I am a resident of Yarra’s Edge, residing in The Array/ Building 6 at 100 Lorimer Street. I live here with my two daughters.

 

 

My parents, who are retired, are also local residents of the Yarra’s Edge precinct, residing in Building 5 at 90 Lorimer Street.

As a local resident with no political affiliation, I have decided to propose a postcode and suburb name change to the local community, for the benefit of our community.

I acknowledge the great work done by other residents to lay the groundwork in pursuit of the same goal, which was paused due to Covid19.

I have prepared this presentation as a renewed first step of community consultation in the hope of reaching a consensus and seeing change come into effect in 2026.

What is Being Proposed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This petition proposes that residents of Yarra’s Edge formally submit a request to change the name and postcode of our suburb from Docklands 3008 to Yarras Edge 3007. 

The area along the Yarra has always been associated with and identified as “Yarra’s Edge”, and not Docklands, from planning until now as part of Mirvac's original master plan.

Yarra’s Edge precinct is not Docklands

The association with Docklands no longer serves the best interests of the area in which we live. I believe that a re-definition of the naming will more accurately represent the community who lives along the Yarra and provide it with many benefits, including financial, as well as increased livability standards and pride in the area.

Fishermans Bend Framework Vision: 2016 – 2018

In an October 2018 government proposal, Fishermans Bend Framework Vision, the future development pictured above was put forth to adjoin the community of Yarra’s Edge and effectively absorb it as part of a future Fishermans Bend precinct. While this petition was put on hold due to Covid19, it earmarked our area to have the postcode 3007 alongside the rest of the Fishermans Bend precinct.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A community action to formalise the name change from Docklands to Yarras Edge for the precinct by the water is in line with this long-term vision. It would be the first piece of the Fishermans Bend precinct puzzle.

Considering Yarra’s Edge sits between Docklands (3008), South Wharf/Southbank (3006), and Port Melbourne (3207), it is logical that the area take the unique name of Yarras Edge (in line with State Government Fishermans Bend plans) and available unallocated postcode of 3007.

From Corner of One Suburb to Distinguished Heart of a New Standalone Identity

A revised median value would rank the new suburb of Yarras Edge at approximately 52nd (out of 130) in Victoria, just below its neighbouring suburb of Southbank. For reference, Docklands ranks 110th.

A well-executed change can result in improved property values and increased economic growth for the area including in the following ways:

Increased Investment and Suburb Improvements

Higher property values in the area can lead to increased investment by attracting new businesses. This in turn can result in future suburb improvements including better public services, more efficient transportation systems (like trams along Lorimer street), upgraded public amenities and investment in community development programs. This can improve the liveability and desirability of the area, fostering community pride, leading to a stronger sense of belonging and civic engagement.

How Much Has it Cost Elsewhere

The cost of changing a suburb name in Victoria can vary depending on the scope of the project. For example, the Moreland City Council has changed the name of Hume Moreland area to Hume Merri-bek, the estimated cost of this change was $500,000 over two financial years to update digital platforms, signs, and other assets. The rebranding of other assets would be addressed over a 5-year period.

How Much would it Potentially Cost Residents

However, given the limited signage in the area, I’d say the cost is negligible, and mainly focused on updating digital platforms, and administrative costs.

How Long Would it Take

Up to 12 months.

What is the Potential Effect to Home Prices

No guarantees, but based on other suburbs and other states, approximately 10% - 25% increase in value.

Research, Feedback and Response

In my research, I consulted with The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece, suggesting the suburb name of Yarra’s Edge, which is popular amongst local residents. He advised that this name would not be approved as it does not meet the requirements of the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 and the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria: Statutory Requirements for Naming Roads, Features, and Localities 2022.

Specifically, he claimed that Yarra’s Edge would not adhere to these guidelines in the following ways:

• Avoiding Commercial Names: We're encouraged to avoid naming places after commercial or estate names, and Yarra’s Edge is a Mirvac precinct name.
  • Response: There is no commercial aspect about the name Yarra's Edge as there is no such service or product or reference to Mirvac
• Avoiding Name Duplication: There are already areas with similar names, like South Yarra, Yarraville, and Yarrambat.
  • Response: There is no possible way that the name would be disallowed because simply it contains the  word or letters “yarra"
• Correct Naming Conventions: The apostrophe in "Yarra's Edge" doesn't follow the rule against using possessive apostrophes in place names.
  • Response: We can simply remove the apostrophe or remove the “s”

Renaming the section of Docklands – specifically along the south of the Yarra river—offers a great opportunity to reflect the area's waterfront character, industrial heritage, and emerging distinctive urban identity. The suburb name of Yarras Edge, would in fact meet all these requirements, and would be a fitting name for our new suburb. It also builds on existing government proposals for the area.

Proposal and Petition to Community

This petition serves as an initial outreach to the Community for the proposed changes and seeks to gather signatures in support.

Petition

Signatures will be gathered from all residents of the community to formally indicate whether they are in favour of the proposed changes.

Council Resolution

The local council must formally endorse the name and postcode change.

Formal Request for Change

Prepare and submit formal request to change suburb name via the Vicmap Editing Service (VES) to Office of Geographic Names (OGN) and postcode change to Australia Post.

Gazettal and Notification

If approved, the name and postcode changes will be published in the Victorian Government Gazette and will be formally adopted by AusPost and with the Office of Geographic Names.

Yarras Edge 3007

Changing a suburb name and postcode is a complex process that requires careful planning, community engagement, and effective communication.

By adopting the right strategy and approach, it is possible to achieve a successful outcome that benefits the community and enhances its identity and sense of place.

The residents of Yarra’s Edge have an opportunity to forge their own path with their own unique identity that best serves all who call it home.