Update
A proposal to name a lookout at Wanda beach after former federal MP Don Dobie has been ditched following community objections.
Sutherland Shire Council made the decision at its meeting on Monday night.
The council also agreed to discontinue long-running moves to rename Hawkesbuy Park at Sylvania Waters after the suburb’s founder James Goyen following the Geographical Names Board’s rejection of the proposal.
However, a shelter on the Woolooware Bay shared pathway will be named the Arthur Gietzelt Memorial Lookout in honour of the former shire president and senator, who fought to save Towra Point from becoming an airport.
Earlier
A council proposal to name a lookout at Wanda Beach after former federal MP Don Dobie has been strongly opposed during community consultation.
Most of those who objected said preference should be given to an indigenous name or that of a local surfing legend.
It’s the second rebuff for Liberal councillors in their efforts to create a memorial to Mr Dobie, who held the seats of Hughes and Cook from 1966-1972 and 1975-1996.
Initially, the council tried to have a reserve at Greenhills Beach named after him.
When the Geographical Names Board advised the proposal lacked community support, the lookout option emerged.
A report by council staff recommending it be discontinued will be considered at the council meeting on Monday, December 10.
The report said there were 17 submissions during the community consultation, of which 15 were opposed and two were in support.
A further six submissions opposing the move were received after the cut-off date.
Comments included, “I am against this lookout being named after a political figure from the past. We should be embracing our aboriginal culture more and naming all new sites like this with its original location name.”
Another said, “Name [it] after one of our local surfing legends. We have heaps of them. Real inspirations to our young surfers.”
One of those in favour is a former Commissioner of Scouts, who praised Mr Dobie’s attendance at community events, often at inconvenient hours, where he provided “a friendly chat and encouragement to local groups”.
The council will also have to decide on two other naming proposals.
A proposal to name the shelter on the Woolooware Bay shared pathway after former council president and senator Arthur Gietzelt was recommended by staff for approval despite a majority (8-7) of submissions being opposed.
Of the eight objections, six expressed a preference for an indigenous name.
Several submissions spoke of Mr Gietzelt’s achievements, and his family also expressed support.
The third proposal, the long-running attempt to rename Hawkesbury Park at Sylvania Waters after the suburb’s founder James Goyen, should be discontinued, staff recommended.
The council asked the Geographical Names Board to reconsider the matter despite the board’s advice it lacked community support.
The board, at its meeting on September 18, rejected the proposal.
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