What is a Survey Peg?
A survey peg (or more broadly, a survey mark) is a physical marker placed by a qualified surveyor to indicate a boundary corner or reference point (see our guide on reading a NSW survey plan) used to define land boundaries. In NSW these marks might be wooden pegs, galvanised iron pipes, concrete posts, drill holes, or plugs set into concrete.
They matter because boundaries aren’t “painted on the ground”. Survey marks provide the real-world evidence that supports boundary definition from registered plans held by NSW Land Registry Services (LRS).
Can You Remove Survey Pegs in NSW?
No. It is illegal to intentionally remove, damage, or interfere with survey marks in NSW. Under the Surveying and Spatial Information Act 2002 (NSW), interfering with survey marks can result in fines up to $5,500.
Survey marks aren’t just “bits of timber”—they are part of the legal evidence that defines property boundaries.
Why Removing a Peg Causes Real Problems
When survey marks disappear, later projects become more expensive and uncertain. Missing marks can lead to:
- More time spent searching for alternative evidence
- Higher boundary survey costs
- Neighbour disputes if occupation doesn’t match title
- Delays for fences, extensions, and setouts
This is especially common in Sydney where renovations and landscaping are frequent—driveway replacement, retaining walls, and new fencing often disturb corner evidence (for fence projects, see survey before building a fence).
What If Your Survey Pegs Are Missing?
If your survey pegs are missing, you need a qualified surveyor (often starting with an identification survey) to re-establish the boundary marks using plan research and field evidence. Costs vary, but many straightforward reinstatements fall within $600-$1,500 for limited scopes, with full boundary re-establishment often $1,800-$3,500 depending on complexity.
The surveyor will typically:
- Research your DP history and adjoining plans through NSW LRS
- Locate and measure remaining marks and control
- Determine boundary position based on evidence
- Reinstate marks where appropriate
Types of Survey Marks in NSW
Common survey marks in NSW include:
- Wooden pegs (often temporary)
- Galvanised iron (GI) pipes (often permanent boundary marks)
- Concrete blocks or posts
- Star pickets with identification discs
- Drill holes or lead plugs in kerbs and concrete
You may also hear about State Survey Marks (SSMs), which are control points used by surveyors as reference.
Is Your Fence on the Boundary If It’s Near a Peg?
Not necessarily. Fences are often built slightly inside a boundary, and marks can be offset or not located exactly where you assume. A fence being close to a peg does not guarantee it is on the legal boundary line.
If you’re planning works near the line (fences, retaining walls, extensions), a boundary identification survey ($800-$1,500) or re-establishment may be the safer option.
What If a Peg Seems “In the Wrong Place”?
It’s not unusual for owners to find a peg and assume it is a corner—only to later discover it is:
- An old construction peg placed by a builder
- A temporary offset mark
- A mark related to a different boundary line
Do not assume a single peg equals the legal corner. If something doesn’t make sense (for example, the peg is inside your driveway or far from the fence corner), get a professional surveyor to confirm what it is and how it relates to the boundary evidence.
How Builders Can Work Around Survey Marks
If you’re building near a boundary corner, the safest approach is to have the surveyor place offset marks that can survive excavation. This helps keep the project moving while protecting the original marks.
When New Marks Are Placed During Subdivision
If you're subdividing, the surveyor will place new boundary marks (often galvanised iron pipes) at the new lot corners as part of the final plan. These marks form part of the evidence registered with NSW Land Registry Services and must not be disturbed once placed. If construction follows subdivision, coordinate with your builder so these new marks are protected (or offset-marked) during site works.
Quick Reference: Common Mark Types in Sydney
Here's a quick summary of what you might find at your property corners:
- GI pipe: galvanised iron pipe, often 50mm diameter—one of the most common permanent marks
- Wooden peg: usually temporary; often disturbed by weather, mowing, or landscaping
- Drill hole / lead plug: set into kerbs, footpaths, or concrete—harder to see but longer-lasting
- Concrete post: sometimes used as a corner mark, though less common in newer subdivisions
FAQ
What is the penalty for removing a survey peg in NSW?
Interfering with survey marks can lead to fines up to $5,500 under the Surveying and Spatial Information Act 2002 (NSW).
I found a peg—how do I know it’s a real survey mark?
Some pegs are placed by builders or landscapers. A professional surveyor can confirm whether a mark is a true survey mark and how it relates to the legal boundary.
Can I move a peg temporarily for construction?
You should not move a survey mark. If construction will disturb a mark, speak with a surveyor so appropriate offsets and reinstatement can be arranged.
What if a neighbour removed a peg?
Document what you’ve found and engage a surveyor to re-establish boundaries. If there’s an ongoing dispute, seek legal advice.
How do I protect survey marks on my property?
Avoid disturbing corners during excavation or landscaping, and let contractors know marks must not be removed. If you need marks reinstated or offset, contact our Sydney survey team. If works are close to corners, arrange offsets with a surveyor.
