On this page:
What rural property addressing isWhy it is being implemented How an address is worked out Who provides the addresses Rural addressing progress map I already have a number Can a new address be changed? Who to tell about your new address Road signs Rural road maps
What rural property addressing is
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.
Read the
Rural property addressing video transcript (Word 23KB).
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Why it is 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 an address is 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 provides the 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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Rural addressing progress map
This map (PDF 383KB) displays all the councils current status in regards to the rural addressing project. For an alternative version of this map contact the Land Services Group.
Read the Loxton launch video transcript (Word 24KB).
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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 tell about your 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 licencesVehicles and registrationLand services industry entry pointOther websites
Country Fire Service map books Local Government Association Rural and urban addressing standards 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.