Geographic Australian Domain Names
IMPORTANT: The ballot for Geographic Domain Names is now in progress, and we can no longer accept applications. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their ballot application in late August, 2005.
Overview
Until now, all geographic names in the Australian .com.au and .net.au domain have not been available to register. Geographic names include any town, suburb, city, or place in Australia with a postcode. For a full list of the geographic domains becoming available, please view the master lists for com.au and net.au below.
All applications will go into a ballot to ensure that all eligible applicants have a fair chance to register their geographic domain names.
What does this mean for my business?
Great opportunity exists by registering your local geographic domain name. The local domain names may be useful for:
- Companies with a local name in their business name. eg. Bondi Bicycles might register bondi.com.au
- Community groups who would like to operate sub-domains for their members. eg. pubs.stkilda.com.au , football.stkilda.com.au
- Local businesses that serve the local community.
Who can register a geographic domain name?
The normal .au eligibility restrictions are also in effect for geographic domains. In brief:
- Applicants must be registered to trade in Australia (eg. company with ACN, business name owner with RBN, trade mark owner with TM number, sole trader with ABN); and
- the geographic name must be an exact match, abbreviation or acronym of the applicant's name, or the applicant must have a "close and substantial connection" with the geographic name.
How much does a geographic domain name cost?
The .au Domain Administration (auDA) has set a 'release' fee of $825 per geographic domain name. Successful applicants will pay the auDA cost, plus registration costs of $174 for a 2 year registration license.
Total cost: $999.00 inc GST
How do I register a geographic domain name?
The ballot application period is from 1 June 2005 to 31 July 2005. No further ballot applications will be accepted after the close of the ballot application period.
It is intended that "first round" ballots will take place between 7 August 2005 and 21 August 2005.