What we do

As set out in the Geographical Names Act 1966, the Board has the following powers and functions:

• assign names to places
• approve that a recorded name of a place shall be its geographical name
• alter a recorded name or a geographical name
• determine whether the use of a recorded name or a geographical name shall be discontinued
• adopt rules of orthography, nomenclature and pronunciation with respect to geographical names
• investigate and determine the form, spelling, meaning, pronunciation, origin and history of any geographical name
• the application of any geographical name with regard to position, extent or otherwise
• compile and maintain a vocabulary of Aboriginal words used or suitable for use in geographical names and to record their meaning and tribal origin
• compile and maintain a dictionary of geographical names with a record of their form, spelling, meaning, pronunciation, origin and history
• publish a gazetteer of geographical names
• inquire into and make recommendations on any matters relating to the names of places referred to it by the Minister
• compile, maintain and publish a list of road names.

The Board proactively seeks to abide by these statutory provisions through the adoption of nomenclature policies and procedures which are both nationally and internationally recognised.