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Overview

All roads must be named in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Naming rules for places in Victoria.

The naming rules set out clear guidelines to help ensure the naming of the road network provides safe and efficient movement for all road users.

The naming rules state that a road name must:

  • be a unique name within an area (no two the same, or too similar)
  • include the correct road type descriptor, such as Lane or Boulevard
  • comply with the naming principles.

Why is an audit program conducted?

Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) conducts an audit program to ensure compliance to the naming rules. This audit program is conducted on new roads created on plans of subdivision.

We conduct monthly auditing on a random selection of plans of subdivision. New road names are checked against the principles in the naming rules. We check particularly for:

  • name duplication
  • origin
  • appropriate road types
  • the extent to which the road name applies.

Road names that are not compliant are reported to the relevant naming authority for further attention.

We work closely with naming authorities, surveyors and developers to resolve compliance issues.

The audit program also allows us to track the naming application process and understanding of the naming rules. This helps us to target communications and training.

2024-2025 audit results

Geographic Names Victoria audited 132 plans of subdivision in the 2024-2025 financial year. The audit found that 89% of names complied with the naming rules.

The most common reason for a name not complying was if it was duplicated within the same or surrounding areas. This is largely due to confusion around the duplication radius for specific areas.

When performing a duplication check in VICNAMES, the relevant duplication radius will be automatically populated for the selected location. This is the radius that is used to determine duplications during an audit. If you believe that this radius is incorrect, please contact GNV at geo.names@transport.vic.gov.au.

The second most common reason for a name not complying was inappropriate road types. Examples of inappropriate road types include:

  • Using the road type ‘Avenue’ for a road that is not wide or does not have trees on either side.
  • Using the road type of ‘Drive’ or ‘Boulevard’ when ‘Street’ or ‘Road’ would have been a more accurate description.

Road types must comply with the Australian Standard 4819:2011 Rural urban and addressing standard and the naming rules. These documents include definitions for each road type.

More information

You can find more information about the naming process below.

Page last updated: 30/07/26