Boundaries are shared, so a surveyor cannot fix one side of a line without warning the people on the other side. The survey notice (notice of survey) is how that warning is given. Before a cadastral survey or boundary reopening, the commissioned land surveyor serves notice on owners or occupiers of adjoining land, including land across a reserved road, giving the date, start time and starting point of the survey.
The notice must go out at least 10 days before the survey, counted from the day it is issued. It may be handed over in person, sent by registered post to the last known address, or, where the neighbour cannot be found, posted in a conspicuous place on the land. A neighbour can sign a waiver allowing the survey to go ahead without the waiting period. The plan later submitted to the National Land Agency must list who was served and who attended. Surveys that do not settle boundaries, such as topographic surveys or identification reports, do not need a notice.
If you receive one, attend or send a representative, and bring any title, diagram or old plan you hold. A neighbour who believes the line is being moved can lodge an objection on the prescribed form with reasons. Receiving the notice is not an admission of anyone’s claim to the land.
Related terms: Commissioned Land Surveyor, Boundary Mark, Cadastral survey, Agreed boundary, Land disputes, Land Survey.
Accurate as at October 2026. Time limits are set by regulation and can change.
