Proposed kelp forest name in Coogee

Overview

What’s this about?

The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Operation Crayweed (a flagship project from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science) to name an underwater forest in Coogee as Yanggaa Kelp Forest.

The underwater forest is located on the rocky reef about 50m offshore, commencing at the south of Coogee beach adjacent to Ross Jones Rockpool and extending for approximately 750m in a south-east direction, parallel to the shore.

The name was selected in consultation with the community to reflect the cultural and ecological significance of the site. Yanggaa (pronounced yang-ga) is a Dharawal language word meaning crayfish (eastern rock lobster), which reflects the ecological significance of the kelp forest and the marine species it supports.

The proposed name is supported by the Gujaga Foundation, Gamay-Rangers - La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, Randwick City Council and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure - Crown Lands.

GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name and suggestions for alternative names are not being sought at this time. 

Have your say

Have your say by 6 September 2026.

There is one way to provide your feedback.

The GNB wants to hear what you think about the proposal.

Click on 'Online consultation' to view and comment on the proposed water feature named Yangaa Kelp Forest.

You'll be able to:

• support or object to the proposal
• provide relevant information about the place name.

All submissions will be considered before a name is officially assigned.

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