An attempt will be made to rename the Old Western Road 'Bloody Cutting Road', despite a stated belief by council staff that it does not meet the standards for road naming.
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In a report to council, it was rejected on the grounds that the name would be "offensive, racist, derogatory or demeaning" under the standards set by the NSW Geographical Names Board.
Ramsay Moody spoke at council's February 25 meeting to appeal to council to reconsider its recommendation, stating that there was great tourism potential "to give us a road sign that really said something".
"Old Western Road, or everybody probably knows is Mitchell 1832 Road, and going up that line of ridge up to Rydal is a very significant cutting that's only wide enough for one car to go through at a time.
"It was cut at great human cost by convicts in 1833-34.
"I've heard it described as almost the equivalent of Hellfire Pass in terms of its emotional significance."
Councillors agreed, voting to apply to have the road named 'Bloody Cutting Road'.
"We've got Curly Dick Road, I mean seriously, what's wrong with Bloody Cutting?" Cr Steve Ring said.
Mr Moody said the name would reflect the historic significance of the area.
"The reality is that was the bloody cutting - now whether it was that that was the blood that was spilt in its making or a pejorative reference to the cutting is lost in the grey wash of time," he said.
"It's history and it's important history."
