How places are named
Suggesting a place name or boundary change
You can suggest names for geographic features in Queensland that have no official name. If the feature has a commonly used local name, we will give preference to that name, if it is appropriate.
You can also suggest changes to locality names and boundaries if there are problems with the current situation.
Please read about the place naming process for information about how your suggestion will be considered.
To comment on a current naming proposal, see the proposals and decisions section. To share any research or information you have about the origins of an existing place name, please email qldplacenames@resources.qld.gov.au. Be sure to include references to back up any research.
Before starting
- Make sure your suggestion relates to a place that is covered by the Place Names Act 1994.
- Read about the naming principles for localities and features and how to define boundaries.
Required documentation
Your suggestion must include the following:
- the suggested name or change—this must follow our naming principles
- a reason for changing the current situation
- an accurate geographic description, map or diagram—for locality changes, the boundaries of localities must be clearly shown
- for new names, supporting documentation as to the origin and meaning of the suggested name
- if the name commemorates a deceased person or family, a brief biography (see below for details)
- letter of support from the relevant local government—for locality changes, this should include an acknowledgment that the council may need to reallocate location addresses and notify affected persons
- for locality changes, documentation showing widespread support from affected persons, including acknowledgement that they may need to change their location and postal address details.
Names commemorating deceased persons or families
If the suggested name commemorates a deceased person or family, your documentation should include a brief biography containing:
- full name/s (including parents and children if known)
- dates of any relevant births, deaths or marriages
- information about their life, including the general nature of their occupation and education
- details of any civil and community contributions made by the person/s, such as membership of community organisations, terms of office and achievements (ownership of land is rarely a sufficient reason in itself to name a place after a person)
- details of any honours or decorations received by the person/s
- consent of family or descendants (preferred but not mandatory)
- any other historical information in support of the suggestion.
In this guide:
- What can be named?
- Naming processes
- Suggesting a place name or boundary change
- Naming principles
- Defining boundaries and extent
- History of Queensland place naming