Dear Supporters,
A while ago, you joined 9,500 others in signing our Change.org petition calling out the Victorian State Government's renaming of Berwick Springs Lake.
Today, we have exciting news to share. After successfully collecting 2,721 signatures on paper, we're launching Phase 2 - the online version of our official Victorian State Parliament petition that will be tabled in parliament. The petition seeks the revocation of the unilateral decision and to hold this Government to account. Our goal is to reach 20,000 signatures!
Remember, the State Government is considering renaming 6,000 places across Victoria right now. What's next? When will it happen? Nobody knows and that's exactly the problem. We know the Government happily used "ministerial direction powers" when it realised it did not meet the regulatory requirements for place naming, which included the fundamental issue of community consultation and the choice of names with historical significance to the community. At Berwick Springs they are erasing our heritage and our identity. Nothing is safe. This could affect all Victorians, from Melbourne to our regional centers like Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo. Anywhere could be next.
In the name of democracy, we're asking every Victorian to stand with us. The State Government must understand they need to respect and consult local communities before making these decisions. And we're incredibly grateful to Ann-Marie Hermans MP for sponsoring this parliamentary petition and giving our community a voice where it matters most.
Here's how you can help:
- Sign the parliamentary petition:
https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/renaming-of-berwick-springs-lake - Share the petition with 2-3 family members and friends
(remember any Victorian resident under 18 can sign too)
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we'll ensure no community faces this kind of decision without proper consultation again.
The Berwick Springs Community
#BerwickSpringsLake #CommunityVoice #DemocraticProcess #DontDivideUs #BSCA