Rural Addressing
What is Rural Addressing?
Rural addressing is a system of addressing that provides properties in rural areas with an address that match the clarity and consistency similar to the system used in urban areas. It incorporates a distance based numbering system that provides a simple, straightforward means to identify and locate rural properties throughout Australia.
The addressing system is defined by Australian Standard for Rural and Urban addressing (as/nzs 4819).
Who is driving Rural addressing?
In NSW Rural Addressing is a collaborative community project supervised by the NSW Land & Property Information and is administered by local Councils. It is supported by all emergency services, Australia Post, major utility providers and government organisations.
Why is Rural Addressing needed?
Currently, rural addresses are made up from all different types of identification and descriptions. Farm names, lot and DP numbers, Australia Post RMB numbers and irrigation water allocation numbers are just a few ways residents identify their property to other people. This has caused confusion, delays and inconvenience for emergency services and the delivery of goods and services to the rural community.
Rural addressing provides a standardised means of locating rural properties (Australia-wide) with a system that is accurate, easy to understand and easy to apply.
Who else is asking for your rural address?
Since the implementation of rural addressing more companies and service providers are requesting your address. These will include among others:
- Australian Electoral Commission
- Telecommunication for connection of phone/internet
- Electricity providers for connections
- Surveyors for planning and subdivision work
- Banking institutions
- Companies which issue Licences, Registrations and for the Sale of Land.
How is the Rural Address allocated?
Council will issue a rural address for each property, following the guidelines below.
A rural number is an individual number allocated to a property in accordance with the guidelines provided in AS/NZS 4819. A property’s number is determined by its distance along its main access road. The starting point is usually the start of the road that is closest to the town or main highway, and numbers go up in 10 metre intervals. To help indicate which direction the road is measured, even numbers are placed on the right side and odd numbers are placed on the left side of the road, as seen in figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Sample Rural Address (Source AS/NZS 4819)
What happens to my farm number or Farm name?
Personal farm names and farm numbers may still be used in conjunction with Rural Addressing. The farm name or farm number can be treated as a property description, whilst the Rural Address remains as the authoritative property address.
How your Property Address will look
Your Name
Property Name (Optional)
Address Number, Road Name
Locality Name, State, Post Code
When the rural addressing program take place?
Council
has been working on the rural addressing program for some time. Each
road was required to have an official name, and this process has now
been completed. Council will be erecting sign blades for each
intersection in the coming months. Council has also been consolidating
the required information in preparation to allocate a rural address to
each rural property in the shire.
How will Council notify residents of their rural address?
As the project gets closer to completion, affected ratepayers will receive an initial letter advising of the proposed rural address. If there is more than one access point to the property an alternate address for the homestead will also be provided as well as any secondary addresses for work sheds.
This first letter will provide an opportunity for the ratepayer to respond to the proposed address and provide any corrections in the case of any errors.
A second letter will then be issued confirming the official rural address and associated alternate and secondary addresses. This letter of notification can then be used as proof of address should it be required.
It will be the responsibility of the ratepayer to advise any rental occupants of their address change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is classified as a rural address?
Rural addresses are issued for properties that are located outside of the Town and Villages. Rural addresses are normally issued for properties in rural or agricultural areas. Some properties on the outskirts of urban areas may be issued with either a Rural or Urban address depending on a variety of factors unique to each area.
How can I get a rural address?
Lachlan Shire Council is in the process of allocating rural addresses. If rural addresses have been issues in your locality and you have not been advised of your individual rural address, you are advised to contact Council’s Infrastructure Services on (02) 6895 1966 to clarify the rural address for your property. Alternatively, email your request to council@lachlan.nsw.gov.au.
Are there any requirements for displaying my rural address?
Each rural address should be displayed clearly to ensure that the primary entrance to a property is easily identifiable for emergency, postal and other service providers.
Council will install your address number on a post in a location at the primary entrance to the property that can be clearly seen from the road. It is important that this post is kept clear of any vegetation (i.e. shrubs or long grass) that may hide the address number. Council will cover the cost of the first post and number for each property. If any replacement issue of your address post and number is required this will be at the ratepayers cost.
What happens if my property has more than one gateway or more than one dwelling?
It is important that the primary address is clearly identified as the address that you would want emergency services to use if they were required on your property. If your property has more than one access Council will be able to issue an alternate address for the same property/dwelling. If your property has more than one dwelling Council will issue a secondary address for the second dwelling if it has a separate access.
What if I have a property with no dwellings?
Council will be issuing a primary address for properties with no structures. If your property requires a secondary address please contact Council’s Infrastructure Services on (02) 6895 1966 to arrange for a rural address to be issued. Alternatively, email your request to council@lachlan.nsw.gov.au.
What if I subdivide my property, will I need another address?
To subdivide or sell your property, you will be required to provide an address to the surveyor for planning and subdivision work or the registrar for the sale of land.
You will need to contact Council’s Community Services & Governance on (02) 6895 1903 to arrange for a rural address to be issued. Alternatively, email your request to council@lachlan.nsw.gov.au.
