Local Councillor Helen Abrahams has welcomed Brisbane City Council’s commitment to develop a new policy to allow pedestrian walkways in Brisbane to be given a formal name.

Last year, Councillor Abrahams called for names for four pedestrian walkways and lanes in Highgate Hill and West End, only to learn that Brisbane City Council only names lanes that are open to vehicle traffic. Previously, Cr Abrahams had been advised in error that it was possible to name pedestrian lanes under Council’s Street Naming Policy.

“This is a barrier to make our City more pedestrian friendly. The pedestrian laneways should be embraced and celebrated rather than remaining nameless spaces,” said Helen Abrahams.

The response from local residents was overwhelming with over 100 suggested names nominated. It was clear that local residents use these lanes and appreciate the shorter walking distances to Kindergartens and bus stops that the lanes deliver. This response was sufficient for Council to agree to implement a new policy.

“One of the real joys of my job is to work with residents of The Gabba Ward to put their great ideas into place. This is an excellent example of the innovation of local residents.

“Now, my challenge is to make sure that the new policy is developed in a timely manner. I would not be surprised if residents started using these names anyway,” Helen Abrahams said.

“Some of the proposed names originated from local buildings; however the stairs between Monto Street and St James Street have resulted in some interesting names proposed: War-gun is aboriginal language for scrub turkey as these are always seen on the Monto Street stairs and there are 76 steps. Two names are to be submitted to Council.

The most popular names were:

Gray Rd to Dornoch Tce lane Assisi Lane or St Francis Lane
Gray Rd to Barnsley St lane Kurilpa Lane or Bell Lane
Hardgrave Rd to Crowther St lane Another Way, Whynot Walk or Hollymount Lane
Monto St to St James St Stairs War-gun Way or The 76 Lane

EDITOR: Why not a “Shady Lane” in recognition of that pioneer of Liberal/National collaboration Don Lane MP, who by treacherously deserting the Liberals for the Nats in the early 80’s, gave Jo Bjelke Petersen a slim but effective majority in Parliament?

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