Shellharbour residents are being asked to provide feedback on a Naming and Addressing Policy. It names things like street signs, such as this Tuggerah Cct street sign in Flinders. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
How everything from roads to sports fields are named in Shellharbour is up for public debate, after a council decision sparked concerns about diversity and Aboriginal recognition.
The updated Naming and Addressing Policy is now on exhibition until 1 June, following a split vote and heated discussion after further changes made at the April Shellharbour City Council meeting.
The policy has been reviewed to ensure it reflects current council practices and aligns with legislations and guidelines for naming roads, public reserves, parks, sports fields, places and council-owned, operated or managed assets, along with allocating addresses to properties.
Councillor Kellie Marsh asked for the removal of some parts of the policy, including names that acknowledged gender diversity, celebrated Shellharbour’s multicultural community, and recognised Aboriginal heritage.
She also deleted a line about how Aboriginal names must be drawn from the Dharawal language and require endorsement from the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
“With naming of any assets, we want to make sure that it’s all about community in general,” Cr Marsh said.
Councillor Rob Petreski questioned the new amendments and said, in light of the exclusions, he couldn’t agree with the motion.
“I think removal of those provisions actually weakens the document, it doesn’t strengthen it, and it takes away from our community, not add to it, so I can’t support the amendments as they’ve been presented,” he said.
Councillor Lou Stefanovski also asked whether any name suggestions from Aboriginal elders would be affected, to which he was told they wouldn’t.
However, Cr Marsh later explained that the reason for the deletions was due to duplication within the document, and not to exclude anyone.
That was also supported by Councillor John Davey who read from the policy to clarify the point.
“Council is committed to naming practices that celebrate the richness of our community, including the respectful incorporation of Dharawal language and the recognition of Aboriginal cultural heritage,” he said.
“Number two, Dharawal language names may be considered where culturally appropriate and endorsed by the Shellharbour Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
“Number three, council will give preference to names that reflect the area’s historical context, incorporate culturally appropriate Dharawal language or recognise native species.
“It’s only really a duplication towards the end of the policy, where those things were removed, because they are highlighted right at the beginning of the policy.”
Cr Petreski also questioned what might happen if in the future they had a mayor who wanted to name everything after themselves.
“Does this open the door for that?” he said.
“What checks and balances are there to protect our community from somebody that may decide to name every second thing after themselves?”
Before asking the CEO, Mayor Chris Homer said it was always a council decision.
“When we name sporting grounds or public amenities, it will go to this council for a decision, not just me,” he said.
CEO Wayde Petersen agreed.
“Council proposes and approves street names – so the elected council, the entire council,” he said.
“The Geographical Names Board sets the rules and must be notified, and they can intervene if needed.”
The vote was carried six to one, with Cr Petreski voting against it.
The Naming and Addressing Policy is on public exhibition until 1 June.
