About the Policy

The draft Place Naming Policy is intended to provide clear and consistent guidance for place naming within Bass Coast Shire Council and establishes a clear framework for Council, stakeholders, developers, proponents, and community members involved in naming proposals.

It ensures place naming is undertaken in a consistent, transparent, and legislatively compliant manner in alignment with the Naming Rules, and promotes public safety, recognition of Traditional Owner languages, gender equity, and cultural diversity in naming decisions.

Naming plays a vital role in shaping community identity by reflecting and preserving the municipality’s cultural heritage, historical context, and environmental significance. It recognises local distinctiveness, honours Traditional Owner language, and supports gender equity. This Policy guides Council in fulfilling these responsibilities, ensuring that all naming decisions are transparent, accountable, and reflect Council and community expectations.

This policy applies to the naming and renaming of roads, features, and localities within the Bass Coast Shire for which Council is the responsible naming authority and where the Naming Rules apply. This policy supports and enables naming proposals initiated by Council, the community, developers, or other proponents.