The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to create localities within the Blue Mountains National Park.
Blue Mountains National Park is both a reserve name and a locality name, and the boundaries do not align which can be a source of confusion. The proposal is to change the locality only, and not the Blue Mountains National Park reserve name or boundary.
The proposed change to the locality is necessary to improve safety within the Blue Mountains National Park and does not impact the management of the reserve for conservation of the state's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The proposal will split the Blue Mountains National Park locality into meaningful areas named after prominent features and to use existing locality names.
There are 13 proposed localities named after existing features which are Narrow Neck, Jamison Valley, Ingar, Massif Ridge, Mount Portal. Blue Labyrinth, Kariwoga, Carmarthen, Tesselate Hill, Birrabang, Burramoko, Govetts and Rocklily Ridge.
The locality boundaries of Blackheath, Medlow Bath, Katoomba, Wentworth Falls, Hazelbrook, Linden, Woodford, Glenbrook, Megalong Valley, Mount Irvine, Mount Wilson, Mount Tomah, Mount Victoria, Bell and Leura will also be amended as part of the proposed changes.
GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed names and amendments. Suggestions for alternative names is not being sought at this time.
Details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board's website.
Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
The closing date for submissions is 10 May 2024.
Quotes to be attributed to NSW Surveyor-General Narelle Underwood:
"Creating unique localities within the Blue Mountains National Park will make it easier to find locations and will address confusion caused by the discrepancy between the Blue Mountains National Park reserve and suburb boundaries."
"The proposal is to split the Blue Mountains National Park locality into more meaningful areas named after prominent features and to use existing locality names. The Blue Mountains National Park reserve will remain as it is."
"New localities have already been created within the Blue Mountains National Park in the Wollondilly Local Government Area."
"Community consultation on the proposed names is an important step to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback and ensures that each voice has a chance to contribute."
