The Tasmanian government won't support a dual indigenous name for Hobart after calls from a section of the state's Aboriginal community.
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The Tasmanian Aboriginal Council (TAC) on Wednesday put forward the name nipaluna - drawn from the revived Aboriginal language of palawa kani - as part of Reconciliation Week.
"It is about unveiling the true history of the area and letting people know that there were other people here before the English," TAC CEO Heather Sculthorpe said.
"That gives all Aboriginal people a pride in place of identity and ... knowing where they've come from."
Hobart City Council welcomed the move, with Lord Mayor Ron Christie pledging to use the name as often as possible.
He expects the use of nipaluna to be supported by a council vote on Monday.
But the formal use of the name, including on signs and maps, can't happen unless it is approved by Tasmania's Nomenclature Board.
A spokesperson for the government said it does not support a dual name for Hobart.
Several natural landmarks in Tasmania have dual names, including kunanyi/Mount Wellington, which was in 2014 formally given an indigenous name under the government's Aboriginal dual naming policy.
However, the policy is currently being reviewed by the state government following concerns over a lack of consultation in deciding names.
"(The government) is optimistic the TAC will contribute to the consultation to ensure their views are included in the review process," the spokesperson said.
Ms Sculthorpe hopes the city council's backing will lead to a groundswell of community support.
"I think there will be an overwhelming sense that the premier won't be able to ignore," she said, adding decades of research went in to finding the most accurate name.
Australian Associated Press
