The Surveyor-General Victoria is offering assistance to property owners whose boundary fences might have been affected by the recent bushfires that swept across the state.

For instance, according to SGV, in cases where boundary fences might have burned down it is “important that a title boundary survey is undertaken before any building or other works occurs near the property boundaries. Only licensed land surveyors are authorised to perform title boundary surveys.”

In a factsheet prepared for affected landowners, the SGV says it is “compiling a list of local surveying firms and licensed land surveyors who are willing to provide residents with professional advice on specific surveys and perform title boundary surveys at a discounted rate, only covering costs or less.”

In the case of properties that have common boundaries with public land such as national parks, state parks and state forests, the Victorian Government will pay half the cost of materials for boundary fencing repairs. The SGV is able to provide advice on the land surveys needed for that work.

SGV has also pointed out the importance of not disturbing survey marks during clean-up and rebuilding works.

“Every effort should be made to preserve survey marks to support surveying activities and reduce costs for industry, government and the community in reconstruction activities,” the SGV says.

For all bushfire-related enquiries, property owners can phone SGV on (03) 9194 0282 or email surveyor.general@transport.vic.gov.au.