Preservation of survey marks

When a survey mark is disturbed or destroyed, property boundaries become more complex to reestablish, creating increased costs for land development and infrastructure.

Preserving survey marks protects the integrity of the state’s spatial reference framework, resulting in better protection for public and private investment.

Under the Survey Act 1992, a permanent survey mark must not be disturbed without prior approval from the Surveyor‑General. The Act provides for fines of up to $2,000 per survey mark that is disturbed, damaged, removed or destroyed.

It is not permitted to:

• Remove or relocate a survey mark
• Concrete over or build on top of a survey mark
• Replace or re-establish survey marks without going through approved processes

These protections apply regardless of whether the survey mark is easy to see or is located below ground level.

Who is responsible for preservation

Any person or organisation carrying out civil works that may affect a survey mark is responsible for ensuring the mark is preserved. This responsibility applies whether the individual was aware that a survey mark was present or not. Responsible parties include:

• Developers and project managers
• Contractors and subcontractors
• Utility providers
• Local government and public authorities
• Landowners and occupiers

Before work begins

Before starting any work, you must:

• Check whether a survey mark is located in or near the work area using the South Australian Property and Planning Atlas (SAPPA). For steps on how to check, visit Steps to locate survey marks.
• If survey marks are located within or near your works area, contact the Office of the Surveyor‑General early – before civil works commence.

Early identification helps prevents delays, redesign and additional project costs.

Survey marks are not listed on Before you Dig Australia.

Email DHUD.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au before starting any groundwork to locate a PSM.