Parkes Shire Council is inviting community members to provide feedback on proposed names for the new wetlands site currently under development on Akuna Road.
The public consultation period is now open and will close at 5pm Friday 6 March. Residents are encouraged to participate by completing a short survey via Council's website or the link provided on the social media posts.
Naming the wetlands is an important step in preparing the site for its planned public opening in late winter 2026 and plays a key role in recognising the area's ecological, cultural and historical significance.
Why name the wetlands?
Naming local landmarks helps strengthen community identity while also delivering practical benefits, including improved wayfinding and navigation for residents, visitors and emergency services. It also provides an opportunity to recognise local heritage, Indigenous language and culture, and historically significant figures or events, while ensuring consistency with state and national naming standards.
Who decides the name?
The Geographical Names Board of NSW (GNB) has delegated responsibility for naming local landmarks to Parkes Shire Council. All proposed names must comply with strict GNB criteria before final approval.
Council's Road and Place Naming Committee, made up of elected Councillors, is responsible for reviewing community feedback and endorsing a final name in line with these guidelines.
How were the name options chosen?
The Road and Place Naming Committee met to consider a range of potential names, including Indigenous-themed options and other historically and culturally significant names. Each option was assessed against Geographical Names Board criteria to ensure compliance with NSW naming conventions.
Where Indigenous language was used, names were endorsed by the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group and the Parkes Aboriginal Community Working Party.
Following this process, three (3) naming options have been selected for public consultation:
- Wululu Wetlands
Wululu is the Wiradjuri word for Pink-eared Duck, a native waterbird that frequently occurs at the wetlands. This name recognises both the local Indigenous language and the ecological significance of the site. Its use has been endorsed by the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group and the Parkes Aboriginal Community Working Party.
- Parkes Wetlands
This option pays tribute to Sir Henry Parkes, the founder of Federation in Australia, for whom the town of Parkes is named.
- Akuna Wetlands
This name reflects the site's location on Akuna Road. The word Akuna means "flowing water" and is derived from the Dieri language of South Australia. It does not have local Indigenous origins.
How to have your say
Community members can:
- Vote for their preferred name via the Your Say section of Council's website
- Suggest an alternative name and provide comments using the free-text option in the survey
All feedback will be collated and presented to the next scheduled Road and Place Naming Committee meeting, where final recommendations will be considered.
Council encourages all residents to take part and help shape the identity of this important natural space.
