Community asked to comment on naming new locality in the heart of Aura
By Sonia Isaacs
A PUBLIC survey to gather community input on naming a new suburb within the rapidly expanding Aura development has been launched by member for Caloundra, Kendall Morton.
Ms Morton acknowledged informal council concerns that including “Aura” in the official name could create confusion for emergency services, but said the survey would provide clarity.
“This is the opportunity for the community to have its say,” she said. “The more responses we receive, the stronger the case we can put forward.”
Currently part of the Bells Creek locality, the proposed suburb has grown faster than forecast and is projected to house more than 8,000 residents.
Under the Caloundra South Master Plan, the suburb will include 4,200 dwellings, a city centre precinct, community facilities and state services, an 11-hectare parkland, major civic centre and extensive recreational infrastructure. A P–12 Catholic school and a university campus are also planned.
Ms Morton said community input was essential in shaping the identity of what will become a major Sunshine Coast hub.
“This new suburb will be home to thousands of people and a major hub for our region. It’s only right that our community has a voice in choosing its name,” she said.
“This is about more than a label on a map – it’s about creating a place identity that locals can be proud of, and that reflects the character of our growing Sunshine Coast community.”
Survey responses will be presented to the Minister for Natural Resources, the Hon Dale Last, who will work with the Director-General to decide the final name.
Naming options under consideration include Aura, Aura City, Aura Central, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander name, the name of a significant historic figure, or retaining the existing Bells Creek designation. To name a locality directly after a development is uncommon in Australia.
Ms Morton said many residents already strongly identified with the Aura name. “If I’m at the beach and ask someone where they live – people say ‘Aura’. That branding has created pride and connection for many locals,” she said.
“There’s a real sense of identity with the name, and people feel connected to the community through it. People genuinely feel a sense of pride in living here. Aura has become more than a development name – it’s a community,” she said.
A Stockland spokesperson said the city centre would become a landmark destination and the name should reflect its significance.
“The future city centre is expected to become a vibrant destination in the heart of Aura and it’s important that the name reflects and recognises the spirit of the community,” the Stockland spokesperson said. “We look forward to including the community on this journey through the public survey.”
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said while the naming process was ultimately a State Government matter, consultation with residents was a positive step.
“The Queensland Government, as the appropriate authority, is best placed to answer questions about the naming of this centre and the process involved,” the Council spokesperson said in response to GC&M News query on the process.
A Department of Natural Resources and Mines spokesperson said suggestions for place names were received from governments and the community to amend boundaries, name places, change names or discontinue existing names.
“The Department considers proposals in line with the Place Names Act 1994, after consulting stakeholders such as emergency services, Australia Post and local government, and by considering community feedback,” the spokesperson said.
“This ensures place names are appropriate, avoid confusion, and align with national and international guidelines.”
