Regulatory expertise

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 of what Keyground works within, and anchored to New South Wales legislation and practice, where the majority of our program experience sits. 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

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 in NSW.

Parks & reserves

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

Crown Land Management Act 2016

Tenure and consent requirements for access, works and easements over Crown land.

State forest

Forestry Act 2012

Access and consent requirements for corridors crossing State forest land.

Rail

Rail corridor access agreements

Negotiated agreements governing access, works and safety obligations within active rail corridors.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth), Sch 3

Carrier powers and immunities, land access and activity notices for telecommunications facilities and fibre corridors.

Utility referral

Before You Dig Australia (BYDA)

The national referral and clearance process used to identify existing underground utility infrastructure before works begin.

Cultural heritage

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

Private-land easements

Negotiated instruments securing long-term rights over freehold land, drafted and registered to protect all parties.

Not sure which frameworks apply to your corridor?