Collie Shire Council votes to rename popular tourist location to reflect Aboriginal spelling

A South West council has voted to change the name of a popular tourist spot, after historical records showed its traditional Aboriginal name had been misspelt. Minningup Pool, a picturesque natural elbow of the Collie River just kilometres from the Collie townsite, was formerly known as Minninup Pool, but old newspaper clippings and the State Government’s Landgate register showed that the ‘g’ had been removed from the name. The distinction was found during planning work on a redevelopment of the site, which will include improved amenities and new camping areas. Collie Shire councillors voted unanimously earlier this month to revert all references of the site back to its traditional Aboriginal name, which will also include replacing signs. Shire of Collie CEO Stuart Devenish said the move came after consultation with local Aboriginal elders, who welcomed the change and shed light on the traditional meaning of the name. “A lot of work has been done on the area and it is a very significant and important location to the traditional owners as well as the local community and the work that has gone in to planning for that area has found a difference over the years in how it has been spelt,” he said. “To help set the record straight, we went back into the history books and we found that the ‘g’ was in the original spelling, but importantly, ‘Minningup’ refers to a gathering or a meeting place. “We met with the elders and discussed it with them, gave them time to consider it and confirm their understanding of it. They certainly raised no issues or concerns.” The Shire of Collie will now work with the State Government on the administrative process around changing the name, as well as replacing all street signs in the area. The redevelopment of the site is set to include a family area at the main pool with new parking, toilet and picnic facilities, as well as new viewing areas and improved disability access. Work is also set to be completed at the old rowing club site and the Sandy Beach area, with a proposed trail to connect the beach with the main pool site.