Dispute over name of new suburb in Melbourne's west - NEWS.com.au

An artist's impression of the development. Source: News Limited

THE State Government and a local council are at loggerheads over what to call the planned new suburb in Melbourne's west.

The City of Wyndham wants the location between Werribee and Pt Cook to be named East Werribee, but Premier Denis Napthine said that's not good enough.

"I think East Werribee describes the area well, but perhaps we could use a little more innovation and imagination," he said.

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"I think there is a long history of people who have given great service to the community of Werribee ... and people who may have served us in both war and peace who may be looked at in respect of whether we find some name through that process."

As revealed by the Herald Sun this week, the Government has given the green light to the East Werribee Precinct Structure plan for the 775ha former State Research Farm site.

It is hoped the development will eventually generate more than 58,000 jobs and 7000 homes.

Wyndham Council wants the new suburb to be called East Werribee or Werribee East, with former councillor Shane Bourke reported as saying, "We don't want a whizbang crazy name that no one can associate with Werribee."

But it's understood the Government believes that having Werribee in the name will detract from the precinct as a new and vibrant locality.

Dr Napthine said: "I think East Werribee geographically describes the location but I think we need to look again to see if there is something more innovative and exciting and perhaps better reflects the great history of this site."

Planning Minister Matthew Guy said that over the next few months his department would "work toward a name that really does encapsulate the western suburbs".

Deputy Opposition Leader James Merlino said: "The decision on the name of the new suburb in Melbourne's west should rest with the local community, not the Premier's own private office."

Wyndham CEO Kerry Thompson said a council report in February discussed the preferred name for the area.

"The name East Werribee or Werribee East is council's first preference for the precinct, and if this is unable to be used then a name that retains Werribee within it has been requested," she said.