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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.

Enhancements to SPEAR

Surveying and Planning through Electronic Applications and Referrals (SPEAR) is Victoria’s online system for processing planning permits and subdivision applications.

From 30 January 2026, new road registrations for plans of subdivisions in SPEAR will include:

  • the road name theme, such as flora, fauna, Aboriginal heritage or commemorative names recognising people or events
  • whether the road is named after a person, and if so, the gender of that person
  • the history behind the name, including a brief statement about its connection to the local area.

These upgrades improve the consistency and integrity of Victoria’s spatial data and official place naming records.

Capturing this information will help to:

  • preserve Victoria’s cultural heritage
  • strengthen the connection between names and their places
  • support gender equality in commemorative naming across Victoria.

These are requirements of the naming rules.

Supporting gender equality in place naming

Recording gender information in SPEAR will enable local and state governments to:

Are the changes mandatory?

From 30 January 2026, users are encouraged to begin entering this information. This will become mandatory from mid‑2026. GNV will confirm the exact start date with councils in advance to support transition planning.

A range of support will be available, including guidance materials, reminders and information sessions to assist users.

Who is required to enter this information and when?

Responsible Authorities (local councils) will be prompted to enter this information whenever a new road is created through the new street address allocation function.

Responsible Authorities should have a process in place to receive the road name origin information from surveyors or developers before adding a street address in SPEAR. GNV has developed a template (below) to help collect this information.

Resources for local councils, land surveyors and developers

Need more information?

If you have a question about SPEAR, raise it with the SPEAR Service Desk on (03) 9194 0612 or by email spear.info@transport.vic.gov.au.

If you have a question about geographic place naming requirements, contact GNV on (03) 8572 7991 or by email geo.names@transport.vic.gov.au

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: 28/05/26