Dual naming for the Margaret River focus of upcoming public consultation

Consultation will soon begin for the possible dual naming of the Margaret River. The idea was first floated in 2020, with dual-naming of Margaret River’s A-class reserve bordering Rotary Park and establishment of the locality of Yebble, named after SS Georgette hero Sam Isaacs, coming online since then. The river dual naming first made a brief mention in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s Precinct Plan, which aimed to “include investigation of the process and consultation requirements for official dual-naming of the Margaret River”. The report also said the dual-naming “recognises the importance of the Margaret River for its cultural, social and environmental values, provides a sense of identity whilst incorporating traditional Noongar language and culture into everyday communication”. However, it did not specify whether the established Wooditchup Bilya name would be chosen for the river or if alternatives that emerged through consultation would then be considered. Shire sustainable development and infrastructure director Nick Logan said meetings with Wadandi elders had since occurred. “This process would investigate officially allocating names to features and places in local Wadandi language,” he said. “This project will commence with an initial nomination of candidates for naming before a formal process of wider consultation is undertaken. “The potential for dual naming of the Margaret River will be incorporated within this project.” The move comes amid an increasing focus on preserving the region’s pre-colonial history alongside that of early settlers.