Lyla Lindsey
In Australia, street numbers are allocated by local authorities, such as the City of Melbourne, in accordance with national standards. These numbers are typically based on the distance from the start of the road to the entrance of a property, with odd numbers on the left and even numbers on the right. While displaying your street number is the responsibility of the property owner, it must be clearly visible and easy to identify. Rural properties may have different addressing systems, such as RPAN, which is used by emergency services and postal services. It is important to distinguish between street types and names, as similar street names can be found in different suburbs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Street number allocation | The City of Melbourne is responsible for allocating street numbers to properties within the municipality. |
| Street number format | Street numbers are typically displayed as a number followed by the street name, e.g., 3/2-4 Imaginary Street. |
| Odd and even numbers | Odd numbers are typically on one side of the street, and even numbers are on the other. |
| Display of street numbers | Street numbers must be clearly displayed in a prominent position and maintained effectively. Numbers should be displayed on the street that the address refers to, even if the property has two street frontages. |
| Rural property address numbers | Rural Property Addressing System (RPAN) provides uniform addresses to rural properties, making it easier for emergency services and other agencies to locate them. |
| Postal services | Australia Post may not deliver mail to properties without a valid street number or RPAN. |
| Online shopping | Most online shopping forms require a valid street number, even if a PO box is used for postal delivery. |
| Address variations | Addresses may include a unit, house, or building name, street number and name, suburb, postcode, and state. |
| Common mistakes | Be careful with streets that have the same name but are different types of streets (e.g., Road vs. Street). |
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What You'll Learn
Street numbers are allocated by the City of Melbourne
The City of Melbourne is responsible for creating, changing, and allocating road names and street numbers within the municipality. All properties in the City of Melbourne shall be allocated a unique street address. The City of Melbourne verifies the location of the door openings and issues numbers proportionally along the street relating to those openings, along the length of the boundary, relative to the access point from which the dwelling, shop, office, or feature is accessed. This is done in a systematic and logical sequence within the street range from the lowest to the highest, with even numbers on one side of the street and odd numbers on the other.
While the allocation of street numbers is done by the City of Melbourne, the correct display of street numbers is the responsibility of the property owner. By law, street numbers must be clearly displayed in a prominent position to allow the property to be quickly and easily identified and located. This is especially important in emergency situations, but also for deliveries, service authorities, customers, and visitors to the property or business. Numbers should be placed at the front of the property, where they can be easily seen by passing foot and road traffic. It is recommended to use a colour that stands out clearly from the background, such as black numbers on a white background, to provide the best contrast.
If a house is on a corner or has two street frontages, the number must only be displayed on the street that the address refers to. For example, if a house is on the corner of Queensberry and Swanston Streets but is classified as being on Queensberry Street, the number must be displayed on the Queensberry Street side of the house, not on the Swanston Street side or on both streets. The street numbers displayed on properties must be renewed as often as necessary to maintain their effectiveness. Penalties apply for premises that are not clearly identified or display incorrect numbers.
The process of creating and changing road names and allocating street numbers involves community engagement and feedback. The City of Melbourne has drafted Place and Road Naming Policy and Guidelines, which are made available for community feedback. New road names should reflect local history and culture, following state guidelines. They must be easy to pronounce and not duplicate existing names or resemble business names. The naming process includes advertising to local stakeholders and obtaining approval from relevant authorities, and it can take several months. The City of Melbourne encourages names related to Aboriginal heritage and influential women in history.
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Even numbers are on one side of the street, odd numbers on the other
In Australia, the convention is that even house numbers are on one side of the street, and odd numbers are on the other. This is known as the "European scheme" and is used in most European countries, as well as in Hong Kong, a former British colony.
The City of Melbourne is responsible for allocating street numbers to properties within the municipality. The numbers are allocated in a systematic and logical sequence, with even numbers on one side of the street and odd numbers on the other. The lowest numbers are closest to the centre of the town, with higher numbers further away.
This system is designed to make it easier for postmen to deliver mail. With odd numbers on one side and even numbers on the other, the postman can walk down one side of the street delivering to odd-numbered houses, then walk back up the other side delivering to even-numbered houses without having to keep crossing the road.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. In some places, particularly where one side of the street is fronted by open land, a river, or a large church, all plots on one side of the street may be numbered consecutively. In these cases, the street may be numbered using odd numbers, starting at 1.
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Street numbers must be clearly displayed
In Australia, each property is allocated a unique street address. The City of Melbourne is responsible for creating or changing road names and numbers, and for allocating numbers to properties within the municipality. The City of Melbourne verifies the location of door openings and issues numbers proportionally along the street relating to those openings. Odd numbers are on one side of the street, and even numbers are on the other.
While the City of Melbourne allocates street numbers, it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the correct display of street numbers. By law, street numbers must be clearly displayed in a prominent position to allow the property to be quickly and easily identified and located. For example, black numbers on a white background provide the best contrast. If your house is on a corner or has two street frontages, the number must only be displayed on the street that the address refers to. The street numbers displayed on your property must be renewed as often as necessary to maintain their effectiveness.
Penalties apply for premises that are not clearly identified or display incorrect numbers. If you wish to change your street number, you will need to contact the City of Melbourne first.
In addition to aiding the delivery of mail and packages, clearly displaying your street number can have more serious implications. Emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire brigade, rely on correct and clearly displayed street numbers to locate your property quickly in an emergency.
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Agencies won't supply services to properties without a RPAN
In Australia, the local council is responsible for creating or changing the names of roads and streets and for allocating numbers to properties within the municipality. For example, in Melbourne, the City of Melbourne allocates street numbers and verifies the location of door openings, issuing numbers proportionally along the street relating to those openings. Even numbers are allocated to one side of the street, and odd numbers to the other.
It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that their street number is clearly displayed in a prominent position. This is so that their property can be quickly and easily identified and located. Numbers should be displayed in a colour that stands out clearly from the background, such as black numbers on a white background. If a house has two street frontages, the number must only be displayed on the street that the address refers to. For example, if a house is on the corner of Queensberry and Swanston streets but is classified as being on Queensberry Street, the number must be displayed on the Queensberry Street side of the house.
Agencies will not supply services to properties without a clearly displayed street number. This is because, without a visible street number, agencies cannot easily identify or locate the property. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your street number is clearly displayed and maintained to avoid any disruptions in service delivery.
In addition to a clear street number, it is also essential to have an accurate and up-to-date address. This includes providing specific details such as the unit or apartment number, especially if you live in a complex or multi-dwelling building. Providing clear and precise address information ensures that agencies can locate your property without issues and deliver their services efficiently.
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Rural properties have their own addressing system
Rural properties in Australia have their own addressing system, which is jointly managed by the state government and local councils. This system aims to provide all occupied rural properties, homes, and businesses with numbered addresses that adhere to national standards. Rural addressing is crucial as it offers quick identification and location of properties, benefiting property owners in several ways.
One of the primary advantages of rural addressing is improved emergency response. In the past, rural residents faced challenges due to unclear addresses, which could result in costly and inconvenient delays for emergency services attempting to locate them. With the new system, emergency services can pinpoint locations more efficiently, potentially making a significant difference in life-or-death situations.
Rural addressing also enhances the delivery of goods and services, including medical and veterinary care. Utility providers, such as Telstra and Ergon Energy, now require a recognised street or road number to facilitate their maintenance programs and the establishment of new services. This ensures that rural residents have access to essential utilities and maintenance support.
The system for assigning rural addresses is straightforward. Property numbers are calculated based on the distance from the start of the road to the property entrance. This distance, measured in meters, is divided by ten. Even numbers are assigned to properties on the right side of the road, while odd numbers are given to those on the left. For instance, a property 5,080 meters from the start of the road on the right-hand side would be assigned the number 508.
To ensure the effectiveness of this system, property owners must maintain clear and visible roadside numbers. Numbers should be recognisable from both directions when travelling along the road. Councils provide a standard format sign, and property owners can contact their local council for information on costs associated with replacement roadside number plates.
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Frequently asked questions
Your street number should be clearly displayed on your property in a prominent position. If you are unable to find it, you can contact your local council or check Google Maps.
If your house does not have a street number, you can contact your local council to allocate one. You may also be able to use a PO Box as your postal address.
A RPAN (Rural Property Address Number) is a uniform address system implemented for rural and special rural properties. It is not required but can be useful in an emergency as it makes it easier for emergency services to locate your property.
The structure of an Australian address is as follows: unit/house number/building name, street number/name, suburb, postcode, and state.
To change your street number, you will need to contact your local council. However, note that street numbers are allocated systematically, and requests for changes that conflict with Australian Standards may not be approved.
