Transport will carry out community consultation and compile a detailed report for Council to review.

Council will consider the findings, select a preferred bridge name, and recommend it to Transport.

Transport will then approve the name if it reflects community support, aligns with NSW Geographical Names Board guidelines, and meets Transport’s signage requirements.

If you've signed a petition, your support will be included in the submission for the name you're backing. Each petition counts as one submission, regardless of the number of signatures. This process is focused on gathering thoughtful input, not on how many submissions or signatures are received.

The naming process has involved extensive community input, including two phases of consultation led by Transport. Everyone was invited to share feedback on shortlisted Wiradjuri names or suggest alternatives that align with naming guidelines.

Even though the consultation period has closed, you can still share your thoughts with us or Transport. While changes after selection are rare, respectful feedback helps inform future naming decisions and community engagement efforts.

To reach out to Transport for NSW, click here.

If you would like to speak during the Public Forum at Ordinary Council meeting, click here.

If you would like to have your say, you can register to speak during Public Forum at Ordinary Council meetings.

You will need to complete the Procedure for Addressing Council and Standing Committees form, which can be found here.

If a name outside the four shortlisted Wiradjuri names from phase one of the consultation process, it must be evaluated by Transport using the Asset Naming Evaluation Criteria. This ensures names reflect cultural significance, are valid and regulatory-compliant, and have community endorsement.

No. While some Transport assets have been dual named in the past, this will not apply to the New Dubbo Bridge.

Transport does not support dual naming as Aboriginal naming should not be considered secondary or an afterthought. Additionally, dual naming would complicate navigation and wayfinding, especially for emergency services that rely on clear and consistent place names to respond quickly and effectively.

Transport conducted in-depth community consultation in two key phases:

• Phase 1 (July–December 2024): Transport engaged with the local First Nations community to identify meaningful Wiradjuri names for the new bridge. These names were put forward for further consideration.
• Phase 2: The wider community was then invited to provide feedback on the shortlisted Wiradjuri names and/or suggest alternatives.

This two-step process ensured both First Nations leadership and broader community input in the naming journey.

The New Dubbo Bridge is a Transport for NSW project.

The Australian Government and the NSW Government have invested $263.2 million to build the New Dubbo Bridge project.

The project aims to reduce traffic congestion in Dubbo and enhance access across the Macquarie River, particularly during flood events.

The bridge will feature a 660 metre bridge that will connect the western side of the Macquarie River to River Street, travelling over the flood plain west of the river. The Newell Highway Upgrade - New Dubbo Bridge project will also include:

• New and upgraded intersections at Whylandra Street, and the Newell Highway
• Realigning the Newell Highway with new separated lanes north of Whylandra Street
• Upgrading the intersection at Bourke Street and River Street.

Project timeline on track for completion for end of 2026.

The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is the official body responsible for naming places in New South Wales. It operates under the Geographical Names Act 1966.

The GNB’s role includes:

• Establishing, updating, and preserving place names
• Ensuring names are clear, consistent, and easily understood
• Promoting the use of official names across government and the community.

Place names form vital links between people and their surroundings. Clear and authoritative names are essential for:

• Emergency services
• Postal and service delivery
• Navigation—both personal and professional.

Geographical Names Board (GNB) recommends the Guidelines for the determination of place names (2018) be used when naming bridges. Names should be easy to pronounce, spell and write, and should not exceed three words (including the term ‘bridge’) or 25 characters. An exception to this is in the use of Aboriginal names when it is accepted that a traditional name may at first appear to be complex but will, over time, become more familiar and accepted by the community. Discriminatory or derogatory names are not acceptable.