Knox Council moves to rename Quarry Reserve Frank Johnson Park
A plan to rename a popular park in Upper Ferntree Gully after a former Knox Council mayor has sparked controversy.
Outer East
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A plan to rename a popular park in Upper Ferntree Gully after a former Knox Council mayor has sparked controversy.
The council announced plans to turn what was widely known as Quarry Reserve into Frank Johnson Park in recognition of the city’s popular former mayor and councillor.
Mr Johnson served as a councillor for 12 years, representing the Ferntree Gully ward from 1981 to 1993, including two terms as mayor.
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He grew up 600m from Quarry Reserve and his contributions to the Knox community included helping to establish St Joseph’s College and the Arboretum.
The council said it had conducted extensive community consultation on the proposed name change, with 78 per cent of respondents in favour of the new name.
Mr Johnson died in 2017.
More than 1000 people voted on a poll on Knox Leader’s Facebook page, with 619 supporting the plan, and 546 opposed.
Beau Deal said changing the name seemed pointless and a waste of ratepayers’ money.
“The quarry employed a lot of locals for over 100 years; it’s part of our pioneering history and the name should be left unchanged to reflect this fact,” Mr Deal said.
Kim Nanscawen said the area had been known as the quarry since the late 1800s.
“I have nothing against Frank Johnson or what he did or didn’t do in the council and the local area, (but) the quarry has its own history and it doesn’t need any person’s name attached to it,” she said.
Michelle Phillips said it was a fitting tribute to a wonderful family man and true gentleman.
The Lost Dandenongs Facebook group suggested keeping the quarry name, but naming the upper lawn the Frank Johnson lawn.
Mayor Jake Keogh said Mr Johnson’s was highly regarded in the community especially in Ferntree Gully and it was fitting Quarry Reserve would bear his name.
The council’s request to rename the reserve will now be sent to the Office of Geographic Names, which will also consider any appeals.
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