ASPEN Island in Lake Burley Griffin will be renamed in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year.

“Aspen Island in Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, the home of the National Carillon, will be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island during a special event in June 2022,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today (January 1).

“Given the National Carillon was officially opened by Her Majesty in 1970, it is only fitting that Aspen Island should be renamed in recognition of her many years of service to Australia.

“This ceremony will also include dedicating the new Queen Elizabeth Water Gardens, which will transform the nearby foreshore as well as improve water quality.”

The Island and Water Gardens would display the Commonwealth flags.

The Prime Minister said Australia would hold a range of national and community events in 2022 to celebrate the Queen’s 70 years of dedicated service to Australia and the Commonwealth.

“Seventy years of service is a truly immense achievement, and we are proud to join with other Commonwealth nations to celebrate this milestone,” the Prime Minister said.

“Her Majesty has always held a deep affection and close connection with the people of Australia.

“We plan to hold a range of events to coincide with key dates throughout 2022, to show our respect and appreciation for seven decades of service.”

He said celebrations would include the lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon in Canberra, the release of commemorative stamps and coins, as well as illuminating monuments all around Australia.

Philip Benwell, national chair of the Australian Monarchist League said the league was delighted that the Australian government had released plans for widespread celebrations honouring the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, which would be reached February 6.

“We are sure that the Australian people as a whole will particularly welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement that one of the key events would be renaming Aspen Island within Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, in The Queen’s honour,” he said.