Councillors agree to rename Melville Ford Bridge in honour of ‘Mr Maitland,’ Milton Morris AO

Maitland Councillors have unanimously supported a motion to rename the new Melville Ford Bridge, currently under construction, in honour of former Maitland MP, Milton Morris AO.

The motion was put to Councillors at the first fortnightly meeting of 2025 (Tuesday 28 January) via a Mayoral Minute led by Mayor Philip Penfold.

“Mr Morris was a beloved community member and leader who dedicated his life to advocating for and supporting the people of Maitland, particularly when it came to road infrastructure and safety,” Mayor Penfold said.

“To honour his legacy as Mr Maitland, I think it’s only fitting that we rename the new Melville Ford Bridge as the Milton Morris Bridge.”

Affectionately known as ‘Mr Maitland,’ Mr Morris (1924–2019) served as the Member for Maitland for 25 years between 1956 and 1980.

He was also the NSW Minister for Transport for 10 years and during this time, he introduced the compulsory wearing of seatbealts, the breathalyser, radar speed traps and the L and P-plate system.

He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 and was inducted into Maitland’s Hall of Fame in 2016.

Council will now investigate the process of renaming the bridge, which will involve community consultation and discussions with the Geographical Naming Board.

For more information on Milton Morris AO, visit www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/milton-morris-ao