MOUNT Kosciuszko, the nation's highest mountain, could be given an alternative Aboriginal name.

The proposal is part of a NSW scheme to give dual names to all landmarks of Aboriginal cultural significance.

Mount Kosciuszko was named by the Polish explorer Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki.

Strzelecki and James MacArthur, who ascended the mountain together, decided to name it after the Polish freedom fighter General Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

Poland's ambassador in Australia, Jerzy Wieclaw said yesterday Polish newspapers had been inundated with letters from concerned Poles over reports that Australia was about to change the name of its highest mountain at 2228 metres.

"Mount Kosciuszko is a special place for Poles ... we learn about it at school and many young travellers make a visit to the park when they come to Australia," Mr Wieclaw said yesterday.

However the state Government moved to reassure people, saying Kosciuszko will "remain the predominant" name for the 2228 metre mountain, the national park and the range.

Mr Wieclaw said the proposal was also triggering a vigorous debate among the 150,000 strong Polish community in Australia.

"Mount Kosciuszko is part of Poland's historical, cultural and emotional link with Australia," Mr Wieclaw said.

He said the issue had been raised in the Polish parliament and he had also raised it with NSW Environment Minister Bob Debus and Australia's Foreign Ministry.

"Poles are very concerned that we are going to see the traditional name replaced," he said.

But NSW Environment Minister Bob Debus has denied that the Kosciuszko name is endangered. He told Mr Wieclaw in a letter provided to The Australian that "Mount Kosciuszko" will remain the "predominant name" of the park.

Mr Debus said he was very aware of the "high regard" with which Tadeusz Kosciusko was held by Poles and the wider community.

He said the NSW Government had a policy of giving "dual names" to sites of cultural significance.

He said the issue had been raised as part of a review of the draft management plan for the National Park.

Tadeusz Kosciusko was a hero of the US War of Independence and the Polish Army Commander in Chief of a famous Polish uprising in the late 1700's.

He was both a brilliant engineer and military strategist revered by Poles.

He died in Switzerland in 1817 after which his body was returned to Poland.

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