DOLA booklet on geographic naming released

14/4/94

For the first time, a comprehensive guide to geographic naming in Western Australia has been released by the Department of Land Administration (DOLA).

Lands Minister George Cash said the 41-page booklet would be an invaluable resource for authorities and agencies involved with naming features and cultural detail in the State.

"Continuing changes in urban and rural development in WA highlights the need for proper recording and documentation", Mr Cash said.

"Since 1936, the naming of our natural resources and features, and our cultural infrastructure, has been co-ordinated by DOLA's Geographic Names Committee (originally the Nomenclature Advisory Committee).

"The committee has broad representation from the community and government.

"Successive Ministers for Lands have relied on the committee for advice when naming geographic and cultural features, including townsites, districts, localities, roads, streets and reserves."

The DOLA booklet outlines the principles, policies and procedures for nomenclature in WA, including the committee's structure and terms of reference.

"The original terms of reference established in 1936 remain the basic guiding principles, but changing attitudes and perceptions, and the pressures of urban growth have led to ongoing revisions of the principles," Mr Cash said.

"The use of the names of the State's indigenous peoples has also become a focus with the setting up of the Aboriginal Place Names Survey in late 1991."

"The department provides assistance to the real estate and mapping industries, and local government, and maintains the computer database GEONOMA containing essential information on all named roads and places in the State, including their origins."

The booklet is available from DOLA's Geographic Names Committee Secretariat by calling (09) 273 7049.

Media contact:  Carolyn Vicars 222 9699