Liverpool City Council has backed a proposal to establish a new suburb around Western Sydney International Airport, with the locality set to be known as Wianamatta. The proposal is aimed at creating a clearer geographic identity for one of Western Sydney’s fastest-growing areas as the new airport prepares to become a major international gateway and economic centre.
The proposed locality would bring together the airport site and surrounding land currently divided between several suburbs. Parts of Greendale, Luddenham, Badgerys Creek, Bringelly and Bradfield would be incorporated into one defined suburb, creating a more straightforward address and administrative structure for the rapidly developing airport precinct.
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said establishing a dedicated locality would help ensure the area is easier to navigate and manage as development accelerates. He said having the airport spread across several existing suburb boundaries currently creates complications for residents, businesses, emergency services, visitors and delivery operators.
The proposed name has also been selected following extensive cultural and historical consultation. Wianamatta is understood to mean “Mother Place” and has been identified as having a strong connection to the broader Country surrounding the airport. The name has received formal endorsement from the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, adding an important cultural dimension to the proposal.
The naming process followed earlier community feedback over an attempt to rename part of Badgerys Creek. That proposal did not receive sufficient community support, including concerns raised by the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council. In response, Liverpool City Council continued discussions with relevant organisations before commissioning independent cultural and historical research.
An independent consultant, endorsed by the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, examined potential names and identified Wianamatta and Wirragule for further consideration. Research found that Wianamatta had a stronger geographic connection to the Country surrounding the airport, while the alternative did not demonstrate the same relevance to the location.
Council said the process involved collaboration between Liverpool City Council, the Geographical Names Board, Western Sydney International Airport, the council’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee and the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council. The involvement of these organisations was intended to ensure that the proposed name reflected both practical requirements and the cultural significance of the area.
Beyond its naming significance, the proposed suburb is being presented as part of broader planning for Western Sydney’s transformation. The international airport is expected to attract investment, create employment opportunities and strengthen connections between the region and destinations around the world. A clearly defined locality could support more efficient administration as new businesses, infrastructure and communities emerge.
Mayor Mannoun described the proposal as an example of planning for the airport’s long-term impact rather than simply addressing immediate administrative issues. A single locality could make addresses easier to understand, improve wayfinding and reduce uncertainty over service responsibilities as development continues around the airport precinct.
The proposal will now be forwarded to the NSW Geographical Names Board for consideration. If the board decides to proceed, the proposal will enter a formal public consultation phase, allowing residents and other stakeholders to provide feedback. Council will then consider community views before the Geographical Names Board reviews submissions and makes a recommendation to the NSW Government for a final decision.
