On this page you will find information about:
What is rural property addressing? Why is it being implemented? How is an address worked out? Who is providing these addresses? Implementation dates I already have a number Can a new address be changed? Who do I need to tell about my new address? Road signs Rural road maps
What is rural property addressing?
Rural property addressing will provide all occupied rural properties, homes and businesses, with a numbered property address. This will be consistent with the national standards for Australia and New Zealand.
This will be implemented in South Australia by 2011 with approximately 55,000 properties being issued with a new address and information about roadside signage.
A rural address will consist of:
- a distance-based road number
- road name
- locality
- postcode.
The new addresses will not affect residents' privacy. It will only identify the property, not who lives there.
These addresses will be allocated by the local council and property owners will be notified once the new address becomes official. For more information contact
your local council.
If you are constructing a new building on your property contact
your local council for information about getting a new property address for it.
Properties that will be subdivided in the future will be issued an address based on the distance of its entrance from the road. If the entrance remains the same, so will the address.
If your road has no name or signposting contact
your local council for information and advice.
Rural property addressing: video transcript (Word 23KB)
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Why is it being implemented?
Currently, finding many rural properties relies heavily on people’s knowledge of the local area and reference points. This can be confusing, time consuming and frustrating.
Giving rural properties a consistent address will:
- assist emergency services and service providers find properties - eg vets
- improve the safety of people in rural areas
- improve delivery of services and infrastructure
- provide a certainty of location and a recognised address that can be understood nationally.
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How is an address worked out?
Numbers are worked out based on the distance of a property’s entrance from the start of the road - eg a property 5,080 meters from the start of the road on the right hand side of the direction of travel becomes 508. Numbers are rounded up or down accordingly. Even numbers are on the right and odd on the left when driving away from the nominated starting point.
The start of the road is determined as the fastest and safest road accessed from the nearest major road or town. Rural road maps are being drawn up to define the start of every rural road.
Distances are based on data collected using aerial imagery and accurate locating technologies - eg GPS. They are accurate to within 10 to 15 meters and are accurate for car odometers.
The main rules to remember are:
- odd numbers on the left, even on the right
- the number x 10 refers to the meters the property’s entrance is from the end of the road - add a zero to the end of the number.
For example, if you were looking for 508 Taplan Road:
- enter Taplan road and the first property is on the left and is numbered 708
- you have entered from the end of the road and are driving towards the nominated starting point
- number 508 is therefore two kilometres straight ahead.
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Who is providing these addresses?
Rural property addressing is jointly managed by the state government and local councils.
The State Government will:
- provide standard communication, process support and negotiation with third parties
- provide technical support to local councils
- establish the rural property address register, rural road register and maintenance systems.
The local councils will:
- check rural road names and office generated address
- name any unnamed, occupied roads and notify the State Government
- communicate official addresses to residents
- ask residents to display the appropriate road signs.
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Implementation dates
These dates are approximate dates for each council area and may change. Any questions about allocation dates should be addressed to your local council.
| Council Regions | Implementation Dates |
| Lead Council - Loxton Waikerie | Complete Nov 2008 |
| Southern Fleurieu, Hills, Barossa and Kangaroo Island | June 2012 |
| Riverland | June 2012 |
| Lower Eyre Peninsula | June 2012 |
| South East | June 2012 |
| Central including Yorke Peninsula and Port Augusta | June 2012 |
| Murray Mallee | June 2012 |
| Eyre Mid | June 2012 |
| Outback End | June 2012 |
The Rural Addressing Progress Map (PDF 360KB) indicates the stages that councils have reached so far. For an alternative version of this map contact the Land Services Group.
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I already have a number
You will still be issued with a new numbered address even if you currently have a Rural Areas Property Identification Directory (RAPID) number or equivalent.
The current RAPID numbers or equivalent:
- aren't unique
- are not officially recognised as an address
- are of little benefit for people who don’t have access to topographical maps.
If you have a post box, post office, private or locked bag that you have mail delivered to you should continue to use it. If you have any concerns about mail delivery contact Australia Post.
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Can a new address be changed?
Once your address has been issued it can’t be changed unless it is incorrect. If the wrong entrance was used to create your new number or if the number is incorrect you should contact your local council as soon as possible.
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Who do I need to tell about my new address?
Once you have been allocated an address your local council will notify the national address database which is used by:
- Australia Post
- emergency services
- Telstra
- state and federal electoral commissions
- electricity, gas and water authorities.
You should give your new address to:
- family and friends
- businesses and other organisations you deal with - eg bank, medical organisations, motor registration.
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Road signs
All residents must ensure that their roadside number is clearly visible and can be recognised from a vehicle travelling along the road in the opposite direction. This will assist services to find properties as every number will help determine a property’s location.
If your neighbour isn’t displaying their road sign it is recommended that you speak to them in the first instance in a calm and courteous manner. Stress the importance of displaying the road sign to the local community and service providers, including the emergency services.
If your neighbour still isn’t displaying the road sign contact your local council for advice and information.
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Rural road maps
Rural road maps are being prepared to define the start and end of every rural road in the State on a Council and Regional basis. As each Region and Council is completed the road maps are posted for viewing.
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More information
On this site
Drivers and licences
Vehicles and registration
Other websites
Country Fire Service map books
Local Government Association
Rural and urban addressing standards
Loxton launch: video (YouTube) Loxton launch: video transcript (Word 24KB)
Downloads
Rural property addressing: this could save valuable time poster (PDF 300KB)
Rural property addressing brochure (PDF 367KB)
For an alternative version of these documents contact the Land Services Group.