Domain names for communities

Australian domain names restricted for use by community website portals are being planned, with domain administrator auDA calling for community feedback.

The administrator is calling for public feedback about implementing new second-level domains (2LDs) for community use of Australian geographic domain names, according to a statement.

“To ensure that the new community-based 2LDs are implemented in a way that maximises their public appeal and utility, auDA [.au Domain Administration] has established a National Reference Group that includes representatives of Commonwealth, State and local governments, the Committee for Geographical Names in Australasia, and the general community,” it states.

According to the organisation's website, it first announced it would create eight new 2LDs for states and territories in November last year. Under the proposed domain structure the domain name would be placename.state/territory.au.

“The central principle of the proposal is that use of the domain names be restricted to community website portals that reflect community interests, such as local business, tourism, historical information, special interest groups, and cultural events,” auDA's draft for public comment states.

auDA is particularly interested in comment from local businesses, tourism operators, special interest groups and managers of cultural events, according to the statement. Submissions close 10 January 2004.