Re-establishment of the state border between New South Wales and Victoria

Abstract

The boundary between land and water is one of the most difficult of all boundaries to re-define. The changing nature of watercourse systems poses major problems and surveyors across the country currently have limited knowledge and guidelines to assist in the process of selecting an appropriate survey method and procedures to use for a boundary alignment. This project has been undertaken to address uncertainty in regard to nontidal boundaries and I have chosen the state border between New South Wales and Victoria to investigate this process. The River Murray dissects the two states, and has done since 1850. The state border between the two colonies has always been a topic of great debate, with the wider community knowing that the river belongs to New South Wales but not being aware as to the correct position of the state border. The boundary between land and non-tidal water is defined by the term – bed and banks. The methods adopted by surveyors in determining the state border have been drawn upon using their experience alone rather than a combination of experience and theoretical knowledge in solving this problem. At present there are very few guidelines and practical examples in place to assist the surveyor in the re-establishment process of the state border and an improved guideline structure and set surveying methods would greatly improve the process for all surveyors. This would potentially address the deficiency that currently exists in the system thereby satisfying the greater community