Property, Titles and Maps

Guidelines for naming

The principles, policies and procedures for naming places in Victoria are set out in the Guidelines for Geographic Names Victoria (October 2004): Guidelines for Geographic Names Oct 2004 (PDF - 822 KB) The Guidelines are made under the Geographic Place Names Act 1998. To view the Act visit this direct link to a PDF and word version on the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website. The Guidelines inform and support naming authorities in naming geographical places and features in Victoria and specify: process to be followed before selecting or assigning an Indigenous place name criteria for the assignment of cultural, heritage or other significance in relation to the naming of places requirements for consultation before a name of a place is selected, assigned or amended and any other matter or thing appropriate in relation to the naming of places.

Please note The Department of Education and Training Guidelines for Naming and Renaming Schools (released 2006) supersede Appendix 3 of the Guidelines for Geographic Names (October 2004):
School Naming Guidelines (PDF - 170 KB)

The amended guidelines establish the Department and Education and Training as the coordinating naming authority for schools. Local councils are now consulted and invited to comment on any school naming proposal, but are no longer required to coordinate the naming process.

For further information in regards to the policies, procedures and processes of the Office Of Geographic Names see Information for naming authorities.