Tuesday, 12 November 2024

South-Eastern Metropolitan Region

David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:55): (1226) My question is for the Minister for Planning. This week the government attended Berwick Springs lake for the renaming of the lake to Guru Nanak Lake. This happened on the 555th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Nanak is a significant figure for the Sikh community, considered the first guru that began the establishment of their religion. Whilst I have no criticism of the Victorian Sikh community – in fact I have publicly praised their significant charitable efforts many times – I did receive a call from a constituent this week who had some concerns. They were not necessarily upset with the name change, but it came as a surprise. Their concern was they felt the community was not consulted and this was just sprung on them without warning. My question for the minister is: what consultation was done with the local community in considering the renaming decision around Berwick Springs lake?