Shire of Esperance - Proposed Naming of Reserve 41097 Report - OCM November 2021

Item: 12.1.1

Proposed Naming of Reserve 41097 (Duke of Orleans Bay Regional Park) Author/s

Richard Hindley

Manager Strategic Planning & Land Projects

Authorisor/s

Holly Phillips

Director External Services

File Ref: D21/34437 Applicant Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation Location/Address Reserve 41097

Executive Summary For Council to consider naming Reserve 41097 as Tjaltjraak Boodja Park.

Recommendation in Brief That Council accept a proposal from Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC) to formally name Reserve 41097 as Tjaltjraak Boodja Park, and to request Landgate to support the application of the proposed name to the Reserve.

Background ETNTAC have submitted a request to the Shire to formally name Reserve 41097 (the area informally known as Duke of Orleans Bay Regional Park) as Tjaltjraak Boodja Park.

The translation of this name is Tjaltjraak Country Park, paying homage to the local blue gum species growing within the reserve. The original request from ETNTAC (Attachment A) was to apply the name of Tjaltjraak Boodjara Park however it has since been confirmed with Aboriginal Elders that their preference is for ‘Boodja’ (Boodja/Boodjara are the same word spelt differently).

Officer’s Comment The name Duke of Orleans Bay Regional Park was intended to be applied to Reserve 41097 as outlined in the Duke of Orleans Bay Regional Park Plan of Development and Management (noted as Bulletin 138 dated March 1983) however this was never formally applied.

The proposed naming of the Reserve recognises the cultural significance of the land. There are currently a number of Registered Aboriginal Heritage Sites as well as a number of Lodged Sites on Reserve 41097.

The proposed naming of Reserve 41097 is consistent with the aims of the Shire’s Reconciliation Action Plan to identify opportunities for Aboriginal place naming and implement them.

The naming also follows a number of recent initiatives including the installation of Welcome to Country signage at Council facilities. It should be noted that, at this time, there is no proposal for the Shire to rename any other existing features or attractions within the area known as Duke of Orleans Bay Regional Park.

Consultation Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation Parks and Environment Executive Management Team Financial Implications There will be some marginal costs involved with installing new signage within the Reserve to reflect the name.

Asset Management Implications Nil Statutory Implications Policies and Standards for Geographical Naming in Western Australia The Policies and Standards for Geographical Naming in Western Australia includes a number of fundamental requirements for the naming of roads, administrative boundaries, cultural and topographical features. They include legislative considerations, external policies and cultural factors to ensure a sound toponymic heritage for future generations of Western Australians.

Policy Implications Nil Strategic Implications Strategic Community Plan 2017 - 2027 Leadership Work together to enhance trust, participation and community pride Actively engage and communicate with the community to ensure informed decision making Corporate Business Plan 2021/22 – 2024/25 L4 Actively engage and communicate with the community to ensure informed decision making L4.1 Implement the Reconciliation Action Plan L4.4 Initiate the next stage of the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan Reconciliation Act Plan C3 Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence C3.4 Cultural interpretation / promotion through art, interpretative materials and information in public spaces including those with high tourist visitation.

Environmental Considerations N/A Attachments A. Request to Name Reserve 41097

Officer’s Recommendation That Council: 1. Accept the proposal to formally name Reserve 41097 as Tjaltjraak Boodja Park; 2. Request Landgate to support the application of the proposed name to the Reserve; and 3. Subject to approval, install signage to reflect the name of Tjaltjraak Boodja Park.

Voting Requirement

Simple Majority