What Are Survey Pegs and Can I Remove Them?

What is a Survey Peg?

A survey peg is a marker placed by a licensed surveyor to indicate a property boundary corner. In NSW, survey pegs are typically wooden stakes, galvanised iron pipes, or concrete blocks placed at each corner of your property. They define the legal boundary of your land.

Can You Remove Survey Pegs in NSW?

No, it is illegal to intentionally remove or damage survey marks in NSW. Under the Surveying and Spatial Information Act 2002, removing, damaging, or interfering with survey marks can result in fines up to $5,500. Survey marks are legal documents defining property boundaries.

What If Your Survey Pegs Are Missing?

If your survey pegs are missing, you need a licensed surveyor to re-establish the boundary marks. This typically costs $600-$1,500 depending on how many marks need replacing and the complexity of the boundary. The surveyor will research the original survey and place new marks.

Types of Survey Marks in NSW

Common survey marks in NSW include: wooden pegs (temporary boundary markers), galvanised iron (GI) pipes (permanent boundary marks), concrete blocks or posts, star pickets with identification discs, and drill holes or lead plugs in concrete. State Survey Marks (SSM) are reference points used by surveyors.

Is Your Fence on the Boundary?

Not necessarily. Fences are often built slightly inside the boundary, and survey pegs may have been placed offset from the true corner. A fence being near a peg doesn't guarantee it's exactly on the boundary. Only a licensed surveyor can confirm the true boundary position.