STATUS QUO FOR BATMAN'S MEMORY

 The state government has advised councils of the next steps in the process to rename the controversial Batman Bridge.

West Tamar, Launceston and George Town councils successfully passed motions at previous meetings to request the state government initiate a process to rename the bridge

The state government confirmed that they had no intention of renaming the controversial bridge.

"While the government doesn't plan to rename the Batman Bridge, it is open to others to make proposals," a statement read.

"The government has provided advice to the councils on the process available through the Place Names Advisory Panel, which would include the necessary consultation with stakeholder groups and essentially the wider public."

The West Tamar motion requested the government undertake historical research on the actions and behaviours of John Batman and start consultation with the Aboriginal community over the placement of an art sculpture and plaque at the bridge.

West Tamar Council confirmed they had received correspondence from the state government regarding the issue since the letter.

"We received a letter from Premier Peter Gutwein in July 2021, acknowledging the one sent to him after the motion in our May 2021 council agenda," she said.

West Tamar mayor Holmdahl said she was unaware of any current proposals to rename the bridge.

Historical records indicate that John Batman was associated with the killings of Aboriginal people at Ben Lomond.

The Victorian government abandoned the Batman name in one of its electorates and renamed it Cooper, in 2018.

Other landmarks including a paver in Launceston Civic Square and Batman Avenue acknowledge John Batman.

Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said the council had no plans to rename the street which bears Batman's name.

"The council has not considered any other renaming proposals," he said.

Calls to rename the bridge were renewed earlier this year after George Town Council supported a motion to commemorate the Litarimirina people with a plaque at the bridge.