The Clarence Valley community is being invited to have its say on a final proposal to rename ‘Shirley Way’ to ‘Shirley Adams Way’ over the Balun Bindarray Bridge (new Grafton bridge).
From 16 February, Clarence Valley Council will advertise the proposed renaming of the roadway on the Summerland Way from the roundabout on Big River Way, South Grafton to the traffic lights at the Clarence Street intersection in Grafton.
In November 2022, the approaches and two lanes crossing the Grafton bridge – officially named the Balun Bindarray Bridge – were named Shirley Way in recognition of the first female mayor of the Grafton City Council and long-time Jacaranda Festival supporter Shirley Adams.
At the time the Geographical Names Board of NSW only accepted naming the approaches Shirley Way.
The Adams family, supported by Clarence Valley Council and local MP Richie Williamson, has requested the approaches be renamed “Shirley Adams Way” to ensure properly recognise Shirley Adams and ensure her memory lives on.
Now in response to the request, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison has initiated a compulsory process which could allow for the potential renaming of the road to occur.
As part of the process, community members must be given the chance to have their say on the proposed renaming and once a set feedback period ends, the renaming will be one step closer to becoming a reality.
