A fragmented framework, worked one corridor at a time.
No single Act governs land access in Australia. Every corridor crosses a different mix of road, rail, park, Crown, forestry, telecommunications and private tenure, each with its own consent pathway.
The frameworks below are indicative examples of the legislation, instruments and referral schemes Keyground works within, several of them drawn from New South Wales to illustrate how a fragmented approvals landscape is worked in practice. Keyground has the capability to work within the equivalent frameworks in every Australian state and territory. The specific approvals pathway is always confirmed against the corridor, land tenure and jurisdiction at the start of each engagement. This page is not legal advice.
Roads Act 1993 (NSW), s138
Consent to carry out work in, on or under a public road, the starting point for most road-adjacent corridor access. Equivalent consent regimes apply under each state and territory's roads legislation.
National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974
Requirements governing access and activities affecting land reserved or managed under the Act, together with Review of Environmental Factors (REF) approval pathways for works assessed under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).
Crown Land Management Act 2016
Tenure and consent requirements for access, works and easements over Crown land.
Forestry Act 2012
Access and consent requirements for corridors crossing State forest land.
Rail corridor access agreements
Negotiated agreements governing access, works and safety obligations within active rail corridors.
Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth), Sch 3
Carrier powers and immunities, land access and activity notices for telecommunications facilities and fibre corridors.
Before You Dig Australia (BYDA)
The national referral and clearance process used to identify existing underground utility infrastructure before works begin.
Native Title Act 1993 & Aboriginal cultural heritage
Engagement and compliance obligations connected to native title interests and Aboriginal cultural heritage, managed respectfully and on the record.
Private-land easements
Negotiated instruments securing long-term rights over freehold land, drafted and registered to protect all parties.