Gunnedah Shire Council narrows down options for $61 million Gunnedah overpass bridge name

Gunnedah Shire Council has sifted through the more than 200 submissions for a name for the $61 million Gunnedah overpass bridge which opened to traffic in November last year.

At a meeting tonight, councillors will make a final decision to take to Transport for NSW for approval.

Council has narrowed down the options to include a number of suggestions as a tribute to the Gunnedah community.

Options include local Aboriginal elder, Reginald (Dick) Talbott, who was instrumental in helping to establish Aboriginal organisations within the community.

'Doc Anderson Bridge' has also been suggested as an option for councillors to vote on, in recognition of prominent local doctor Colin Anderson who delivered more than 3500 babies in the town.

Nancy Small Bridge has been flagged to recognise the former local's significant contribution to the community and local wildlife, as has 'Sergeant Siffleet Bridge' in honour of local World War II hero Leonard George Siffleet.

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"Following notification council staff has had discussions with representatives of Transport for NSW and it has been clarified that the requirements for eligibility of a bridge name is that the person must be deceased," general manager Eric Goth wrote in a report to council.

"Options include one Aboriginal name, being that supported by those broadly in the community based on Transport for NSW consultation, and combinations of the Aboriginal name with a number of European names."

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said it will fund and install signs containing the new name on both bridge approaches before the end of the year.

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