Find answers to the most common place naming questions.
Naming rules are statutory requirements for naming roads, features and localities. They outline how naming, renaming or changing the boundaries of features, localities and roads in Victoria occurs.
Naming authorities like councils must use these rules, which are based on national standards. They help ensure that places are named in a standardised way, to avoid confusion, errors and discrimination. This is vital for assisting emergency services and ensuring public safety. Under the current Geographic Place Names Act 1998, the naming rules are reviewed at least once every five years.
Appropriate naming is essential when identifying locations in emergencies and when delivering goods and services across Victoria. In addition, naming can preserve our cultural identify and connects communities to the places they live.
The naming rules are based on national standards and policies. They provide consistent standards and naming procedures across the state. They were developed through consultation with councils, government departments, emergency agencies and public service providers.
Any public or private road, feature or place within Victoria can be named, renamed or have its boundary changed; using the principles, requirements and procedures in the naming rules.
Anyone (individuals, community groups, organisations, government departments or authorities) can propose a new name, a change to an existing name or a boundary change with the relevant authority.
Naming authorities are organisations responsible for naming and renaming areas and changing boundaries. They include councils, government departments and authorities, and some private organisations.
A naming authority is often responsible for or administering the named location or feature. This includes providing the Registrar of Geographic Names with any naming proposals. The naming authority for a place is usually the local council.
The Geographic Place Names Advisory Committee can develop or review a naming proposal if a road, feature, or place is determined to have greater than local significance.
The Registrar of Geographic Names. The Minister responsible under the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 may direct the Registrar to enter a name.
Geographic Names Victoria, led by the Registrar of Geographic Names, administers the naming or renaming or roads, features and localities in Victoria, and maintains the VICNAMES Register of Geographic Names.
