Feedback Sought From Public on Mid Western Highway Renaming Proposal

Member for Burrinjuck, Katrina Hodgkinson says a proposal to rename the Mid Western Highway to recognise Aboriginal culture and heritage is being considered after representation to the NSW Government by Wiradjuri Elders.

Ms Hodgkinson said the Government was following guidelines outlined by the Geographical Names Board and Roads Regulation 2008 in considering what would be involved in changing the name to the Wiradjuri Highway.

“Roads and Maritime has already carried out some early consultation with stakeholders including local councils, land councils and Members of Parliament about the proposal,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“Feedback is now invited from those who live along the Mid Western Highway, including landholders, businesses, community groups, emergency services and government agencies.

“The Mid Western Highway is the only NSW highway which starts and ends in an Aboriginal cultural area. The current name of the 522 kilometre corridor between Bathurst to Marsden and from West Wyalong to Hay is based on its geographic location.

“This is an opportunity to recognise the Wiradjuri culture and heritage of Central and South West NSW. The Wiradjuri Nation is the largest Aboriginal Nation in NSW, centred around the Lachlan, Macquarie and Murrumbidgee rivers.

“We are working to identify any issues from the renaming proposal and are inviting feedback from the wider community.

“There has been largely positive feedback to date, although we have a long way to go before we know whether we need to start updating road signage,” she stressed.

To have a say on the proposal to rename the Mid Western Highway the Wiradjuri Highway, visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au to make a submission or email Wagga.Wagga.Regional.Office@rms.nsw.gov.au or write to PO Box 484 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650.

Comments close November 28.