Draft Road and Place Naming Policy 2025

We’re seeking community feedback on our Draft Road and Place Naming Policy 2025.

This policy will guide how we name roads, places, and features across our Shire for the next four years.

What is the Road and Place Naming Policy?

This policy establishes clear guidelines for naming roads, streets, places, and geographical features throughout Indigo Shire. It ensures that all new names:

• Comply with Victorian Government state naming legislation
• Reflect our community's values and identity
• Respect our cultural heritage, including Traditional Owner languages
• Are inclusive and non-discriminatory
• Follow consistent, transparent processes

The policy covers everything from naming new streets in subdivisions to commemorating significant people and places in our community's history.

Why do we need this policy?

Councils are designated naming authorities under Victorian law and must ensure all naming complies with the Geographic Place Names Act 1986 and the state's Naming Rules for Places in Victoria (2022).

Without a policy, naming decisions can be inconsistent and unclear. This policy provides a structured framework for all naming requests.

The policy ensures naming decisions reflect what matters to our community, our history, culture, and commitment to inclusivity.

The policy prioritises Traditional Owner languages and ensures appropriate engagement with Aboriginal communities before any Traditional Owner names are used.

The policy aims for at least 70% of new commemorative naming proposals to honour significant women until balanced representation is achieved.

How to Make a Submission

Submissions on the Draft road and Place Naming Policy can be emailed to info@indigoshire.vic.gov.au by 5pm 24 July, 2025.