WYONG Shire Council will consult with the community about a proposed name change for the shire, with Coast Lakes and Wyong Coast two possible alternatives.
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It's part of a push to attract more business, investment and jobs, the council said.
The rebranding proposal follows research from Sydney firm Generation Alliance, which found that outsiders know Gosford City better than Wyong Shire, and that the town of Wyong labours under "significant negative connotations".
There is no intention to change the name of any suburb, including Wyong.
The council's director of community and recreation services, Maxine Kenyon, said there were many examples of local government areas that had successfully redefined their identities by creating a place brand.
"Places like Newcastle have repositioned their community as innovative and cultural following the decline of the steel industry," she said.
Mayor Doug Eaton said: "Personally I'd like to see a name like Coast Lakes, to give prominence to our iconic Tuggerah Lakes and beautiful coast and beaches."
Council will undertake a two-stage engagement to seek the community's level of interest in a name change, and what suggestions they have.
Details will be released in the next few weeks when the consultation is launched.