The survey found 56 per cent of the 2112 respondents did not want the name changed. Coon Island and Coon Island Point are located in a low-lying area at the head of the Swansea Channel, opposite Pelican. The area is Awabakal land, with archaeological evidence dating back at least 7800 years ago showing occupation and widespread hunting areas. Lake Macquarie City Council councillor Kevin Baker said Coon Island was named after its original inhabitant Herbert Heaney, who was a man of Anglo-Saxon origin. "Herbert was a coal miner and when he used to come back out of the pit, he got a very unfortunate nickname," Baker said.