Placenames Tas Denies ‘Baird’ Name Proposal for Road in Burnie Park

Media release – Burnie City Council Mayor Teeny Brumby, 23 August 2023

Council’s request for ‘Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG Drive’ denied

In January this year Council resolved to seek recognition of Corporal Cameron Baird by requesting through Placenames Tasmania that the internal drive at Burnie Park be named ‘Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG Drive’.

Unfortunately the proposed name has been refused by Placenames Tasmania as they stated that it does not comply with the requirements of the guidelines.

Council has questioned whether it is possible as an alternative, to name the roadway ‘Baird Drive’, which we understand would comply with the reasoning of the original rejection.

Placenames Tasmania has advised Council that this name is also unacceptable, because it too closely matches existing roads in the north-west, being Bird Street, Montello and Bird Road, West Takone and Laird Road, East Cam.

It is very unfortunate that Council’s efforts to recognise Corporal Baird have been hampered in this way. Mayor Teeny Brumby added:

“The road in question has very low traffic as it is within the Burnie Park boundary. To refuse the Council’s request on the basis that it is likely to be confused with other Burnie streets beggars’ belief.

Corporal Cameron Baird made the ultimate sacrifice for his mates. Our Burnie community have been very supportive in recognising Cameron, and this internal drive dedication was to be another acknowledgement for Corporal Baird in the place where he was born. It was to inspire the leaders of tomorrow with the values that Corporal Baird lived his life by and a memorial to never forget his ultimate sacrifice and legacy.”

In these circumstances there is nothing further that the Council can do. Council have only just received the last advice and will now advise Corporal Baird’s family of this very disappointing outcome.