Liverpool City Council is endorsing the creation of a new suburb for Australia’s newest international airport.

Mayor Ned Mannoun said the creation of a dedicated suburb centred on the Western Sydney International Airport – to be named Wianamatta – is a critical step in preparing the region for rapid growth, global connectivity and long-term economic opportunity.

“Wianamatta holds a strong and direct connection to the broader Country in which the airport is located,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“Wianamatta, understood to mean “Mother Place,” reflects a deep cultural connection to land, heritage and identity and has been endorsed by our partners, the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council (GLALC).

The selection of the name follows discussions between the GALC, Geographic Names Board, Western Sydney International Airport and Liverpool City Council

“This is about building a city that functions properly from day one,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“We are creating a major international gateway in Western Sydney, and it needs a single, clear identity that people can recognise, navigate and rely on.”

“At the moment, the airport sits across multiple suburb boundaries. That creates unnecessary confusion for residents, businesses, emergency services, deliveries and visitors.”

“A single, unified suburb will make things simpler, safer and far more efficient.”

Mayor Mannoun said the proposal reflects both practical planning and a broader vision for the future of Liverpool and Western Sydney.

“This airport will transform our region: bringing jobs, investment and international attention,” he said.

“It makes sense that the area surrounding it is clearly defined, easy to manage and ready to support that growth.”

Following Council’s endorsement, the proposal will be submitted to the Geographical Names Board, which will decide if it proceeds to formal public consultation.

Background
How the new suburb and naming process will work

The proposed suburb will encompass the Western Sydney International Airport site and surrounding lands, creating a single, clearly defined locality in place of the current fragmented boundaries.

To achieve this, parts of Greendale, Luddenham, Badgerys Creek, Bringelly and Bradfield will be brought together into one new suburb aligned with the airport precinct.

This change is designed to improve wayfinding, streamline administration and eliminate confusion around addresses, service delivery and jurisdictional boundaries as the area rapidly develops.

The proposal is the result of an extensive, multi-year consultation process involving Liverpool City Council, the Geographical Names Board, Western Sydney International Airport, Council’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee and the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council (GLALC).

An earlier proposal to rename part of Badgerys Creek did not receive community support, with strong feedback, including from GLALC — indicating the need for a more appropriate and culturally grounded name.

Following that feedback, Council supported continued collaboration with key stakeholders, leading to the appointment of an independent consultant, endorsed by GLALC, to undertake detailed cultural and historical research.

Two potential names were identified through this process: Wianamatta and Wirragule.

The consultant’s research found that Wianamatta holds a strong and direct connection to the broader Country in which the airport is located, while the alternative name did not have the same geographic relevance.

Wianamatta, understood to mean “Mother Place,” reflects a deep cultural connection to land, heritage and identity.

The name has since been formally endorsed by the membership of the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, representing a significant milestone in the process.

Mayor Mannoun said this outcome demonstrates the value of genuine engagement.

“This has been a collaborative process every step of the way,” he said.

“We’ve worked closely with GLALC, the Geographical Names Board and other stakeholders to ensure the final proposal is respectful, meaningful and supported.”

Following Council’s endorsement, the proposal will now be submitted to the Geographical Names Board, which will assess whether it proceeds to formal public consultation.

During that stage, the community will have the opportunity to provide feedback before Council considers its final position.

The Geographical Names Board will then review all submissions and make a recommendation to the NSW Government for final determination.