Summary:

What would it take to rename the Batman Bridge in Northern Tasmania; replacing the current divisive title with a more suitable and inclusive label?

From what/where (Horizon 1):

The current name of the bridge crossing the River Tamar close to George Town honours a historical figure, John Batman, known to have actively participated in violent actions against Aboriginal Tasmanian’s in the Black War. Historical records indicate that he participated in the killing of Indigenous people near Ben Lomond. The current name perpetuates a legacy of colonial violence, fails to honor the experiences and histories of Tasmanian Aboriginal people, and is divisive.

To what/where (Horizon 3):

Po: By 2029, could the bridge be renamed “Kanamaluka”, the palawa kani name for the Tamar River, reflecting the Indigenous heritage of the area?

How to get there (Horizon 2’s):

Po: Could the George Town, West Tamar and City of Launceston Councils work with the State Government to identify a process for changing the name within the life of the next State Parliament (by 2029)?

Po: Could local student councils use the change of name process to debate alternative names (H2+), including the conservative argument to preserve the current title (H2-), and feed their ideas into the process administered by the State?

Po: Could the bridge title become flexible, being a “billboard bridge” which has 52 names per year, with local, state, and national charities having their name against the bridge for one week each to raise awareness of their community work?

When/how much:

State and local public servants are funded and geared to address matters like this within existing system and budget arrangements. Public engagement, and the ultimate replacement of signage is an investment in building a more inclusive community.

Why/For facts sake:

Retaining the name “Batman Bridge” perpetuates a legacy of colonial violence and fails to honor the experiences and histories of Tasmania’s Aboriginal peoples. Renaming the bridge, although largely symbolic,  could serve as a step toward a more inclusive representation of the region’s history.

Counterarguments/counterfactuals:

The rebadging of monuments has been described by some as “cancel culture” and a waste of public resources. Precedents exist of changes to the names given to public infrastructure and institutions, including local stadiums, the role title of elected representatives, and the name of electorates. To illustrate, as sponsors have changed so to have the operating titles of Launceston’s York Park from Aroura Stadium to UTAS stadium; our local government representatives have adopted the more inclusive title of ‘councillors’ over ‘alderman’, and the State and Federal electorate of Clark (see ABC story) changed from Denison to honour a more democratic historical figure over a former governor who actively supported the continuation of convict transportation to Tasmania.

History of previous attempts/change leaders:

In 2021, the Launceston City Council voted to lobby the Tasmanian state government to initiate a renaming process for the bridge, citing the inappropriateness of its current name due to Batman’s actions against Aboriginal communities . Similarly, the West Tamar Council has called for community consultations to consider renaming the bridge and installing commemorative art that acknowledges the area’s Indigenous heritage .