Unnamed Pedestrian Throughfare in Epping

The proposed names were prepared in accordance with Council's Road Naming Policy (no. 283) and the NSW Address Policy and User Manual (May 2021) developed by NSW Geographical Names Board (GNB).

The NSW Geographical Names Board policy ensures that road, street, lane and open space names are broadly acceptable to the community and meet current norms and standards.

The NSW Geographical Names Board encourages place names that reflect the heritage, cultures and identity of a site which makes the place distinctive and memorable for residents and the wider community. As per the NSW Geographical Names Board process, research has been undertaken to identify significant stories and histories of the area.

Council also undertakes to consult with First Nations consultants and community members when a project provides an opportunity to recognise Dharug culture and connection to places within the City of Parramatta.

In late 2021, Council sought community feedback on proposed names for the unnamed pedestrian thoroughfare that connects Forest Grove to Essex Street, Epping.

The preferred name, ‘Fruit Tree Way’ was put forward for consideration by Council at the 21 February 2022 Council meeting. The name was not endorsed.

Councillor Maclean (Epping Ward) and Councillor Siviero (Rosehill Ward) resolved:

That Council defer this matter for a period of three (3) to six (6) months and that consultation occurs with local and relevant First Nation’s bodies and groups regarding an appropriate name for the presently unnamed thoroughfare between Forest Grove and Essex Street, with a view to adopting an Indigenous name; if no suitable names arise or the Lane Way is not deemed appropriate for such a name post consultation then the original recommendation, with any further public consultation if required, be brought back to Council.

A registered Indigenous Corporation was engaged to provide suitable names for this site and pre-approval from the Geographical Names Board for the recommended options was sought.

As per the NSW Geographical Names Board's NSW Address Policy and User Manual (May 2021), Council undertook preliminary consultation prior to going to the community with the proposed options.

The proposed names were suggested by First Nations consultants and given preliminary suitability by the NSW Geographical Names Board.

The Geographical Names Board of NSW ‘NSW Address Policy and User Manual’ (May 2021) outlines the guidelines for naming roads. The guidelines can be accessed at www.gnb.nsw.gov.au. In summary, proposed names should be:

• Road names shall not be offensive, racist, derogatory or demeaning (refer to NSW Anti-Discrimination legislation).
• Road names shall not be misspelt. In particular, the spelling of personal names shall be able to be validated by reference to primary sources.
• Commercial and business names shall not be used, particularly where the name can be construed to be promoting the business. However, business names no longer in use and which promote the heritage of an area are acceptable.
• Road types shall not be used in the formation of a road name, for example Promenade Road, Court Street etc. even if the road type is also a surname.
• Only one name shall be used for commemorative naming e.g. a given name or surname.