>> Use of the domain names would be restricted to community website 
>> portals that reflect community interests

> One obvious question that it raises though is what now happens to the
> policy about place names within the other .au domains.  Will they now
> be made available for use in the usual ways?  eg:  Could the "Ballarat
> Fish and Chip Shop" now apply, and be approved, for the domain name
> ballarat.com.au?

The ballarat fish & chip shop website isnt likely to be a portal..

scott..