Geographical Names Board of New South Wales

Role and responsibilities

The Board develops and implements naming policies, evaluates proposals for new names or changes, and ensures names meet legal and practical requirements. Its remit includes towns, suburbs, localities, waterways, landforms and other geographic features. Decisions are recorded in an official register and published so that government departments, emergency services and mapmakers use a consistent vocabulary.

Composition and governance

Established in 1966, the Board is constituted with nine members who bring perspectives from state agencies, local government and the wider community. It operates within a framework of state legislation and policy and typically works with surveyors, planners, historians and community representatives when considering name proposals.

Process and consultation

• Proposals for new or changed names are lodged with the Board.
• Submissions are assessed for historical accuracy, local usage and potential duplication or confusion.
• Consultation commonly includes local councils, government agencies and relevant Indigenous communities to acknowledge traditional names and cultural significance.

Where appropriate, the Board supports recognition of traditional Aboriginal place names and may endorse dual naming or reinstate historic names after consultation. Its published decisions provide a durable reference used in planning, emergency response and public information.

By centralising place-name governance, the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales helps preserve local history, aids navigation and supports clear communication across government and the public.