Following a review of independent research into the local government body’s name, Western Plains Regional Council administrator Michael Kneipp said he was in favour of the change.

At the August ordinary council meeting later in the month, Mr Kneipp will vote on his own recommendation. From there, a request will be submitted to Local Government Minister Paul Toole for a new name to be proclaimed.

Research included telephone and face-to-face surveys, an online survey and information collected by Dubbo MP and Deputy Premier Troy Grant.

“The research conducted by Aurora found less than 40 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the council name and only one third of respondents to Mr Grant’s survey were satisfied with the name,” Mr Kneipp said.

“This supports the direct feedback I have received from both communities of Wellington and Dubbo which say the name is not representative and is not an appropriate name for council.”

Dubbo Chamber of Commerce president Matt Wright and acting chair of the Real Estate Institute NSW Orana division Bob Berry have both been strong campaigners for ‘Dubbo’ to be returned to the council name.

Mr Berry said the business community was of the strong belief the loss of the Dubbo name from the local government area was unacceptable.

“Dubbo is an iconic name both as a council with 166-year history and as a brand recognised throughout Australia as one of the key regional growth centres in the nation,” he said.

Mr Kneipp said the preferred name would not detract from the individual destination and tourism brands for either Dubbo or Wellington.

“However, there will be greater opportunities to leverage off the recognition of Dubbo in a national market,” he said. 

“Council is also committed to promoting Wellington’s attractions, services and facilities under a Wellington destination brand.”

Other names were considered, Mr Kneipp said but research made it clear including the council’s largest centre would assist with the recognition of council across NSW and Australia.

The August ordinary council meeting will be held Monday August 22 in the Wellington council chambers.