What Is Land Access and Why Does It Matter?

"I worked in land access for multiple projects before starting Costello Group. I was out on the road, talking to landholders, driving down dirt tracks, sitting at kitchen tables, then it started to make sense. You quickly realise land access is about people, trust, and understanding the land they care so deeply about." Peter Costello, Director of Costello Group

What Land Access Really Means

At its core, land access is about building the right relationships so projects can move forward fairly and respectfully. It’s the process of working with landholders, communities, and stakeholders to secure agreement for infrastructure, renewables, mining, or government projects in a way that balances project needs with the people and land involved.

That might mean sitting with a grazier discussing gates, stock routes, and water points. But it can also involve negotiating compensation agreements, conducting environmental and biodiversity assessments, managing cultural heritage considerations, and ensuring community voices are heard.

Every land access project, whether a wind farm, transmission line, gas pipeline, or road upgrade, requires balancing project timelines and investment certainty with the livelihoods, businesses, and environments of the people who live on the land.

Effective stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and a genuine understanding of landholders’ operations are just as vital as meeting technical and legal requirements.

Different Rules, Different States

Australia’s land is vast, and so are the rules that govern access. Each state sets its own frameworks, meaning land access professionals must adapt their approach depending on where the project is located.

For example:

• In Queensland, land access is governed by the Land Access Code under mining and energy legislation.

  
  

• In New South Wales, access is arranged under the Mining Act 1992 and Petroleum (Onshore) Act, with additional civil provisions like the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 2000.

  
  

• In Victoria, electricity transmission is guided by a dedicated Land Access Code of Practice, while mining is regulated separately.

  
  

• And in Western Australia, land access is negotiated under the Mining Act 1978, often involving private tenure laws.

  
  

These are just a few examples. Knowing these frameworks, and respecting the people they’re designed to protect, is what keeps projects lawful, fair, and respectful.

The Value in Having Experts

With so many moving parts, experienced land access consultants add real value. They bring structure, industry knowledge, and a people-first mindset that keeps projects moving.

A good consultant interprets legislation, drafts agreements, and manages negotiations. They also make sure biodiversity surveys, cultural heritage requirements, and stakeholder engagement strategies are properly built into the project. They prevent disputes before they escalate, keep landholders informed, and ensure regulators are satisfied.

And sometimes, it’s as simple as walking a boundary fence with a landholder, listening as they explain how they rotate stock or manage water systems. These one-on-one conversations, combined with technical expertise, give consultants the insight needed to deliver projects that are legally sound, environmentally responsible, and built on trust.

How We Work at Costello Group

At Costello Group, land access is what we do. From strategy and legislation to boots-on-the-ground delivery, we bridge the gap between landholders and project teams to build trust, reduce risk, and avoid unnecessary delays.

We’ve supported projects across oil and gas, mining, renewables, water, rail, and linear infrastructure, all over Australia. From Queensland to WA, every property is different, and every landholder knows it best. That’s why we always start with a conversation.

Our approach is simple: communicate clearly, respect landholders, and be reliable. Because when landholders feel heard, and project teams feel supported, projects succeed.

Why This Matters

Land access is central to Australia’s infrastructure and renewable energy transition. With billions of dollars in projects planned across energy, transport, and resources, the role of land access has never been more important.

We’re proud to play our part, helping deliver projects that are not only successful, but also respectful of the people and land that make them possible.

For more on how we support projects across Australia, visit costellogroup.com.au

Reference List

Queensland – Land Access Code 2021 https://www.resources.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542108/land-access-code-2021.pdf

New South Wales – Land Access Framework (Mining & Petroleum Acts) https://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-02/fact-sheet-land-access-framework-landholder-rights-and-obligations.pdf

Victoria – Land Access Code of Practice (Electricity Transmission) https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/electricity-and-gas/codes-guidelines-and-policies/land-access-code-practice

Western Australia – Private Land & Mining Tenure Guide https://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Documents/Minerals/Private_Land_and_Mining_Tenure.pdf