The proposed renaming of a Sylvania Waters park after the suburb’s founder James Goyen has again failed to gain community support.
A report by Sutherland Shire Council staff recommends the 30-year-old Hawkesbury Park name be retained.
The proposal, initiated by Mr Goyen’s daughter Annette Tynan, has been the subject of community consultation on three occasions due to early process errors.
This year, the council again requested the name change and the Geographical Names Board (GNB) advertised the proposal over a four-week period in April and May.
“During the consultation period, the GNB received six independent submissions, with no respondent supporting the proposal,” a council report said.
“In their submissions, opponents expressed a preference for the existing name to be retained, a name associated with an outstanding feature of the area, or a preference for a name connected to local flora or fauna.”
The report said, “as a result of the community opposition to the name change, the GNB has referred the proposal back to council”.
“Based on advice received and the application of existing GNB policy...there is little utility with proceeding with application further.”
The report said the board had previously rejected names proposed for public open space on the basis that “an existing long standing geographical name had previously been adopted and that alteration of a long-established name should be avoided.”
“The board’s own policy states that ‘Names chosen for reserves are expected to be enduring, and the renaming of these features is confusing and disruptive and is discouraged’,” the report said.
The council is due to consider the matter at its meeting on Monday night.
