OUR RUDEST ROADS
STREETS TOO O SAUCY?
A GEELONG Council proposal to change a street name amid fears of it sounding offensive if mispronounced has sparked community outrage as residents claim there are streets that are “far worse” in the region.
The uproar comes after a Geelong council letter sent to residents earlier this month, stated Point Lonsdale street Chiton Way would be changed to Casablanca Way, in a bid to wipe out confusion over its pronunciation.
“The name Chiton Way is causing confusion in pronunciation and can cause offence when pronounced incorrectly,” the letter by revenue, property and valuations co-ordinator Caroline Ruiter read.
“The developer has requested this road name be altered based on this and has chosen a name which is keeping within the current theme.”
But residents have fired back against the proposal, describing it as “immature” and “childish” on social media.
“Maybe this council should concentrate on more important things, like cleaning up the mall rather than worrying about a street name which some may have trouble saying,” one resident posted.
“Learn English and it won’t be offensive,” another wrote.
Others claimed there were many street names in the region which did not have to be mispronounced to come across as offensive.
Residents gave examples of other streets which they found inappropriate including Thrush St in Norlane, Coxon Pde in North Geelong, Dickens St in North Geelong and Hickey St in Thomson — all of which were not under consideration for a name change.
City of Greater Geelong customer and corporate services director Michael Dugina said all community members were able to request a road rename with the City.
“Road renaming requests need to include reasonable grounds for why the road should be renamed and also include a possible new suitable name that would comply with the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria,” he said.
Mr Dugina said council were not processing any other requests for renaming of roads.
A Point Lonsdale Civic Association spokesman previously told the Addy the group supported the proposal if most residents were concerned about the name.
“If the name ‘Chiton Way’ is sufficiently concerning to the majority of local residents then it is quite appropriate to consider a name change,” he said.
The official registration of the name change would take up to six months. The proposal will be open for submissions until July 15. People can submit feedback or contact the council’s property officer Cynthia on 5272 4632.