A decision by Narrabri Shire council to launch a ‘community conversation’ about a possible name change for Narrabri shire has stirred opinions.
The move was initiated at a recent council meeting by Cr Maxine Booby who suggested that the title Narrabri Shire did not properly reflect the whole shire.
“The shire area covers from Maules Creek and Boggabri in the south east to Gwabegar and Pilliga in the west and within 10 km of Burren Junction to Bellata and Edgeroi and to the foot of the Nandewar Ranges - 14000 people and 14000 square kilometres in round figures.
“It is a very large shire and I think the name should reflect this.”
Cr Booby said since the idea of a name change was floated she had found there was community interest in the discussion.
“There are a lot of people who will talk about it. I think people particularly those living away from Narrabri want the broader recognition.
“I have several of my own ideas but I would like people to think of their own concept of what the shire is” said Cr Booby.
“If ‘Regional’ in the title works, that’s fine.
“The shire doesn’t necessarily have to have a geographic name.
“Regardless of what its (geographic) name is, a shire has an identity.” Cr Booby said the discussion may gain momentum as local government election time nears in 2016.
There could be a referendum on a name change at election time.
Cr Booby said there was interest in a name change, particularly among people those living in areas distant from Narrabri.
“They say ‘we are in this bigger area.’ I think they want identity, ownership and recognition of where they live.”
Meanwhile, the title Narrabri Regional Airport is already being adopted.
“Every time I hear that I like it” added Cr Booby.
“Even using the word ‘regional’ broadens the concept.
“It takes it beyond the Narrabri 50km sign.” So the conversation has in fact started.
Join the conversation - do you have a suggested new name for the shire? Should Narrabri shire be re-named? Please write to Letters to the Editor, editorial@nwcourier.com.au