Community Input Sought for Promise Lane Naming
Residents are invited to have their say on the naming of a laneway in Ballarat central to ‘Promise Lane’.
The currently unnamed lane runs off Errard Street South.
The proposed name, Promise Lane, is inspired by Ballarat’s rich goldfields history, specifically the ‘promise of gold’ that brought people from across the world to the region in the 1850s, seeking fortune, opportunity and a new beginning.
Most of the road names in the surrounding streets are linked to that promise, and symbolise hope, ambition and the pioneering spirit that continues to shape Ballarat’s identity.
The unnamed lane is being used as a delivery site for businesses on Sturt Street and parking spaces. Naming the unnamed lane will improve navigation and make identification easier.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves encouraged residents to have their say on naming proposals, such as Promise Lane.
“Place names help tell the story of our city,” she said
“Whether honouring our First Nations’ heritage, the gold rush era or significant historical events, our naming process ensures names reflect who we are and where we have come from.
“We welcome the public’s feedback as part of this process.”
The naming process
The City of Ballarat is responsible for naming or renaming places within the municipality, including roads, parks, reserves and other public spaces.
As the naming authority, the City of Ballarat adheres to the ‘Naming Rules for Places in Victoria (2022)’, a set of state-wide standards established by Geographic Names Victoria.
Appropriate naming is essential for identifying locations when managing emergencies and delivering goods and services.
The naming rules are designed to ensure place names across the state are clear, consistent, respectful and meaningful to the communities they represent.
The place naming process includes the identification of a need, community consultation, assessment against the Naming Rules, engagement with Traditional Owners and City of Ballarat or Council consideration and decision.
Names are then submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for final consideration, registration and publication in the Victoria Government Gazette.
Community consultation on Promise Lane
Community consultation is now open and closes 5pm, Friday 15 August, 2025. Residents can view the proposal and make submissions online at MySay.
Submissions can also be made in writing, marked as NP244 Unnamed Lane Off Errard Street South – Promise Lane and mailed to: The Naming Officer, Property and Facilities, City of Ballarat, PO Box 655, Ballarat 3353 or emailed to [email protected].
https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/community-consultation-opens-naming-promise-lane