Bridge Naming Consultation - Have Your Say!
Parkes Shire Council is inviting community feedback on proposed names for new bridges constructed as part of the Parkes Bypass and other recent infrastructure upgrades. This consultation period runs until 5:00 PM on 14 March 2025, and we encourage residents to share their thoughtsby completing the survey here: Proposed Bridge Naming Survey
Why are we naming these bridges?
Due to the construction of the Parkes Bypass, the completion of East Street bridge and Brolgan Road upgrades, a number of new bridges have been built. Naming roads and bridges is an important step in acknowledging local history, culture, and identity. It also provides practical benefits, including:
- Improved wayfinding and navigation for residents, visitors, and emergency services.
- Recognition of local heritage, Indigenous language and culture, and historically significant figures or events.
- Consistency with state and national naming standards to ensure accuracy and avoid duplication.
Who decides the names?
The Geographical Names Board of NSW (GNB) has delegated the responsibility of naming local roads and bridges to Parkes Shire Council. However, all proposed names must meet strict naming criteria set by the GNB before they can be approved.
The Road and Place Naming Committee, which consists of elected Council members, is responsible for reviewing and endorsing proposed names in line with these criteria.
How were the name options chosen?
- Council’s Road Naming Committee met on 17 December 2024 to review potential names for these bridges.
- A number of Indigenous-themed names were considered, alongside other historically and culturally significant names.
- Each name was assessed against Geographical Names Board (GNB) criteria, ensuring compliance with NSW naming conventions.
- For each bridge location, a primary name and alternative name options were selected to be placed on public consultation.
What are the rules for naming roads and bridges?
All name proposals must follow the NSW Geographical Names Board guidelines, which include:
- Avoiding duplication with existing names in the region.
- Reflecting local history, Indigenous language, or cultural significance.
- Commemorating people only posthumously, with a demonstrated historical connection to the area.
- Ensuring pronunciation and spelling are clear to avoid confusion. Adhering to standard formats (e.g., no commercial names or promotional terms).
For more details on official naming guidelines, visit the Geographical Names Board website.
How can you participate?
Complete the survey on this page, vote for a preferred name at each location, you can also suggest an alternative name using the free-text option on the consultation form.
All feedback will be collated and presented at the next Road and Place Naming Committee meeting on 18 March 2025, where final decisions will be considered. We welcome all community input and appreciate your involvement in shaping the identity of our Shire’s infrastructure.
You can also view the proposed changes here: Proposed Bridge Naming.pdf(PDF, 286KB)
Alternatively, if you wish to provide a written submission on your preferred bridge names these should be emailed to council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or addressed to:
General Manager
Parkes Shire Council
PO Box 337
PARKES NSW 2870
All survey and written submissions will close at 5:00pm Friday 14 March 2025.
Should you require any further information on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Council's Director Operations, Mr Logan Hignett, on 02 6861 2333.