We received a request to name the laneway adjacent to Bellevue Avenue, Avalon Beach to help locals and visitors identify the area and improve wayfinding. The laneway provides access to the driveway of the residential property at 47 Bellevue Avenue, Avalon Beach, access to Chakana Day Spa at the rear of 45A Avalon Parade, and is used by businesses from 47-55 Avalon Parade as a loading zone.

Between 23 February and 24 March 2024 we exhibited a proposal to name the laneway Spotted Gum Lane, and received 86 responses.

A significant number of respondents requested an alternate name, Johnson Lane, to recognise a local family’s contribution to the area. Johnson Bros Mitre 10 also backs onto the laneway. However, the Geographical Names Board (GNB) Place Naming Policy does not permit using a business name that is still in use.

We presented a report outlining the outcomes of engagement to Council at its meeting on Tuesday 13 August 2024, and Council resovled to name the laneway, Spotted Gum Lane.

• View the Council Minutes (Item 13.2, p.19).

Next steps

Staff will arrange signage for the laneway, and notify the Geographical Names Board of NSW

December 2023

At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 19 December 2023, it was resolved to exhibit the proposal to name this laneway Spotted Gum Lane, referencing the spotted gum trees common in the area.

View the Minutes here.

We have previously consulted on a proposal to name the lane Murradjulbi Lane. Further details are available under the Oct 2021 tab.

The naming proposal has been pre-approved by the Geographical Names Board (GNB) of NSW. It is being carried out in line with the guidelines of both the GNB of NSW and Council’s Policy for the Naming of our Reserves, Facilities and Roads.

Notice of intention to name this laneway was provided in accordance with Section 162 of the Roads Act 1993 and Section 7 of the Roads Regulation 2018.

October 2021

At the Council meeting on Tuesday 26 October 2021, Council resolved to exhibit a proposal to name the laneway adjacent to Bellvue Avenue in Avalon Beach, Murradjulbi Lane. View the Council minutes here.

The proposal was supported by the Aboriginal Heritage Office and Metropolitan Land Council.

We exhibited the proposal during November and December 2021. We also sought advice from the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT).

The ALT has recommended Council consider forgoing the use of Aboriginal Languages until there is clear direction from the Local Aboriginal Community on which Aboriginal Language(s) belong to our area.

As such, we are now proposing to name the laneway Spotted Gum Lane, after a local species of tree prominent in the area.