Proposed new suburb named Barker

Overview

What’s this about?

The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Camden Council to create a new suburb named Barker and amend the suburb boundaries of Bringelly and Cobbitty.

The new suburb of Barker is proposed to be created between the existing localities of Bringelly and Cobbitty in the Lowes Creek Maryland precinct. The precinct is in Sydney's South West Growth Area and was rezoned in July 2021 to accommodate up to 7,000 new homes, a local town center, a new school and a community facility, along with open space, cycling and pedestrian paths. The establishment of a new suburb is essential to support the significant growth planned for the area.

Central to the precinct is Maryland Homestead and its associated buildings, which are of State Heritage significance. The proposed name of Barker is to commemorate Thomas Barker (25/03/1799 - 12/03/1875) who was the landowner that purchased and named the Maryland Estate in 1854.

Thomas Barker became a highly regarded public figure and actively supported the railway sector, notably contributing to the funding of a survey to assess the feasibility of establishing a rail line between Sydney and Goulbourn. He served as the Director and president of the Sydney Railway Company and held the honorary appointment of Commissioner for Railways when the company's property was sold to the Government in 1855. 

Mr Barker held various other public roles, including serving as a magistrate from 1834, a warden for the Sydney Council from 1843, and acting as secretary for the committee that petitioned the Queen for a new constitution. Furthermore, he was a member of the Legislative Council from 1853 to 1856 and represented the counties of Gloucester and Macquarie in the Legislative Assemble from 1856 to 1857.

Have your say

Have your say by 11:59pm Friday 4 July 2025.

There is 1 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 name Barker.

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.