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

At its core, land access is the process of getting permission to enter and work on a landholder’s property, usually for infrastructure, renewables, mining, or government projects. That might be a gas pipeline, a wind farm, new transmission lines or a road upgrade. And it looks different every day. One day you’re chatting with a grazier about gates and water points; the next, you’re sitting in a council meeting or attending a community info session.

Engaging land access consultants adds real value to a project. They bring experience, structure, and a calm, people-first approach that helps build strong foundations and keep things on track.

Sometimes it’s just about walking the boundary fence with the landholder, listening as they explain how they manage stock movements or keep water clean through certain trough systems. Those one-on-one conversations give consultants a real understanding of the land and business.

Australia’s land is vast and varied, and so are the rules. Each state has different legislation and requirements when it comes to land access. Queensland, for example, has the Land Access Code, which sets out how and when you can enter someone’s land and what your responsibilities are. Other states like NSW and WA have their own frameworks and processes. Knowing these laws inside out matters. That’s where experienced consultants make the difference.

At Costello Group, we’re land access specialists. We help manage the complexities, rules, negotiations, stakeholder management, and keep things simple and respectful. We’re the go-between that keeps relationships strong and projects moving.

We’ve worked across Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, WA, and one thing stays the same: every property is different, and every landholder knows it best. They’re proud of what they do and how they run their place. That’s why we always start with a conversation.

Our work is about good communication, mutual respect, and being reliable. Because when landholders are heard and informed, and project teams feel supported and clear, the results speak for themselves.

We’re proud to support land access across Australia. From strategy to boots-on-ground, we’re there for every step of the journey, helping build trust, solve problems, and make things happen.