First Nations consultation extended to help choose a name for the New Dubbo Bridge
Local Aboriginal community members have been given extra time to propose a Wiradjuri name for the New Dubbo Bridge, following Transport for NSW’s decision to extend its First Nations community consultation.
Transport is working closely with Dubbo Regional Council and the Dubbo community to find a name that celebrates the city’s culture and history.
Dubbo Regional Council resolved in November 2023 that its preferred name for the New Dubbo Bridge would be a First Nations name relevant to the location and/or function of the bridge.
Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said the first phase of consultation, launched in May and now extended until the end of July, had been to ask local Aboriginal community members to suggest appropriate Wiradjuri names for the bridge which could be taken forward for further consideration.
The next phase of consultation, to be launched later this year, will invite the wider community to provide feedback on the Wiradjuri names shortlisted by the local First Nations community or to submit their own suggested names for the new bridge.
“We have already seen some great Wiradjuri nominations come through, but we want to make sure everyone in the local indigenous community has an opportunity to put forward an idea if they would like to,” Mr Lunn said.
“We are asking Aboriginal community members for their bridge name suggestions and also the reason behind their suggested name. For example, people might have a story, cultural teaching or picture they would like to share explaining why their suggested name should be used.
“Transport will also attend Dubbo’s NAIDOC Family Fun Day on Monday 8 July to join the community celebrations and acknowledge the significant culture, history and achievements of the local First Nations community.
“We will have a stall in Victoria Park from 11am to 2pm where the community will be able to talk to us about the New Dubbo Bridge project, the bridge naming process and how to nominate a name. We will also take Wiradjuri nominations on the day.”
Members of the local Aboriginal community have until Wednesday 31 July to submit their Wiradjuri name suggestions either via a printed nomination form or by going to the online engagement portal and submitting an online version of the form.
After 31 July, a panel of local First Nations representatives will determine a shortlist of Wiradjuri names through a fair and transparent assessment process.
Transport will then invite the wider community to provide feedback on the shortlisted Wiradjuri names, or to put forward their own suggestions.
“Suggestions other than Aboriginal names can be submitted when the phase two wider community consultation opens later this year,” Mr Lunn said.
“All naming suggestions received will be collated by Transport in a consultation report for consideration by Dubbo Regional Council, along with a summary of the feedback from the First Nations and wider community consultation, including preferred names.
“It is Transport’s position that the elected representatives of the Council are best placed to recommend a suitable name for the community they serve from the suggestions received during community consultation.
“Transport will approve the name recommended by Council provided it has community support, is consistent with the NSW Geographical Names Board naming guidelines and meets Transport's signage requirements.
“This collaborative approach allows the community to participate in the naming of a significant new asset in Dubbo and provides Transport and Council the opportunity to work together towards a positive outcome for the community.”
The New Dubbo Bridge is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
It will improve traffic congestion in Dubbo and enhance access across the Macquarie River during flood events.
More information on the project can be found at nswroads.work/ndb
Transport’s online engagement portal for the New Dubbo Bridge naming can be found at Dubbo Bridge | Have Your Say (nsw.gov.au) and will be updated for each phase of consultation.