Australian place naming principles

The Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) Place Names Working Group (PNWG) brings together place naming authorities from Australia and New Zealand. They work together to share best practice for naming places.

About the principles

The PNWG developed the Australian Place Naming Principles. These replace the earlier Principles for the Consistent Use of Place Names. The new principles provide a consistent and contemporary approach to naming places across Australia.

The principles focus on 3 key areas:

  • keeping place names consistent and long-lasting across Australia
  • making place name information accurate and easy to access
  • supporting connection and inclusion in place naming.

To read the Australian Place Naming Principles, go to the NSW government website.

How the principles are applied

The principles guide how place names are chosen, written and used. They reflect current community expectations, including safety, cultural recognition and inclusion.

They also align with international best practice, including guidance from the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN).

How place naming works in the NT

In the Northern Territory (NT), the Place Names Committee is responsible under the Place Names Act 1967 for recommending place names.

The committee uses the Australian Place Naming Principles to assess whether a proposed name is suitable for the NT.

Find out more about how places are named.

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