Updates to Road and Suburb Naming Policy go on public exhibition
Published: 11 Aug 2023 10:32am
The community is being invited to make submissions on the Draft ‘Road and Suburb Naming’ Policy, which includes a proposal to name some of the streets in the Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct (SAP) after those killed or injured in the Kapooka Tragedy in 1945.
Councillors endorsed placing the draft policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days at their Ordinary Meeting on Monday 8 August 2023.
The policy outlines a clear set of guidelines for road and locality naming and renaming with appropriate reference to legislative requirements and Geographic Names Board Guidelines.
Council Manager Development Assessment & Building Certification Paul O'Brien said the purpose of the review is to introduce additional themes for consideration and to update the policy to enhance usability, legibility and ensure compliance with legislation.
“More specifically, it proposes the surnames of those killed or injured in the Kapooka Tragedy on 21 May 1945 be used as the first component of the street naming protocol in the Wagga Wagga SAP,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Twenty-six soldiers were killed in the largest loss of life in a single training exercise as a result of an explosion at Kapooka. Two soldiers survived the accident.
“This initiative will provide a mark of respect to those killed or injured and another strong connection between our city and the Australian Defence family.”
Council also endorsed renaming Merino Road Bomen to Pomeroy Drive in line with the provisions of this policy.
The Special Activation Precinct at Bomen will provide land for industrial and logistics purposes for many decades. Most of the SAP area is greenfield land and the first new subdivisions are currently being constructed.
The draft ‘Road and Suburb Naming’ Policy (POL 047) will be on exhibition from 11 August 2023 to 8 September 2023, with public submissions invited until 22 September 2023.
Following the public exhibition period, a further report will be presented addressing any submissions made in respect of the draft policy.
To make a submission:
DRAFT - Roads and Suburb Naming Policy (POL 047)
Council also endorsed placing the Draft Parks Naming Policy (POL 005)on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 11 August 2023 to 8 September 2023.
The policy provides a mechanism for the appropriate naming of open space areas within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area and provides an opportunity for the community to put forward names for consideration by Council.
One proposed amendment is the addition of a general provision that states: “Council reserves the right to renew the name of any open space area at its discretion”.
Public submissions are invited until 22 September 2023 on the draft Policy: