Concerns have been raised about the name being offensive, so Council wants to investigate community sentiment.
The island was originally named after local coal miner, Herbert Greta Heaney whose nickname was “Coon” because he was often seen with coal dust on his face.
Following talks with local stakeholders including the Bahtahbah Local Aboriginal Land Council and members of the Heaney family, Council has come up with a range of new name options.
These include: Heaney Island as a tribute to Herbert Heaney Keep Clear Island the earliest known nautical map of Lake Macquarie in 1841 identified the point and location of the island as Keep Clear Point.