Melbourne to get own domain name

Melbourne straddles the picturesque Yarra River. Source: Supplied

MELBOURNE is set to get its own internet top-level domain with the global web address regulator ticking off on the change.

The global governing body for domain names, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has approved the .melbourne top-level domain after a year-long evaluation, says technology provider ARI Registry Services.

The state government, city of Melbourne and ARI Registry Services underwent a year-long application for the new top-level domain.

ARI Registry Services chief executive Adrian Kinderis said the top-level domain will amplify the global reach of Melbourne.

"Geographical locators have always been important as a part of identifying where an online business is physically located," he said.

"Internet users will turn to .melbourne for familiar, trustworthy and local online content."

Authorities will work on the next steps to facilitate the change, with the view of .melbourne being available in 2014.

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