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About preparing plans

When it comes to preparing plans for government land dealings, Licensed Surveyors have a critical role to play. These plans must adhere to specific surveying and drafting standards outlined in the Surveying (Cadastral Surveys) Regulations 2025, the Victorian Cadastral Surveys Practice Directives and the SGV Drafting Manual.

Prior to submission, Licensed Surveyors must certify plans under Regulation 14 of the Surveying (Cadastral Surveys) Regulations 2025. This certification confirms the origin and accuracy of information shown on the plan.

Certification by the Surveyor-General of Victoria is also essential. Depending on the plan type, they must either be lodged through SPEAR or sent directly to Surveyor-General Victoria (SGV).

The main plans prepared for government land dealings are:

1. Plan of Crown Allotment

A Plan of Crown Allotment or 'Original Plan' (OP) fully defines a Crown allotment and is either based on survey attached to the plan (survey – S) or compiled from existing information (non-survey – NS).

An allotment with a boundary defined by a natural feature, for example a stream or former race, can be defined on a Plan of Crown Allotment (OP).

Besides being the official plan defining a Crown allotment, a Plan of Crown Allotment can be used to support varying activities over Crown land including:

  • Crown subdivisions and consolidations
  • leases, licences and committees of management
  • reservation and revocation/excisions of Crown reserves
  • road proclamations and road closure
  • Crown grants
  • updating the definition/dimensions of an existing Crown allotment

All Plans of Crown Allotment are certified by the Surveyor-General.

2. Title plan

A Title Plan is used to support the granting of land from the Crown. Crown Grants are the first freehold title to a parcel of land granted by, or alienated from, the Crown, for which the Title Plan is the diagram source.

Every Crown Grant is issued with a set of 'Reservations Exceptions Conditions and Powers' that contain a set of Standard Conditions, with the option of including Other Conditions. This 'Condition Sheet' is supplied by SGV.

These Title Plans must be based on a supporting Plan of Crown Allotment as Crown land cannot be subdivided or consolidated on a Title Plan. Title Plans for Crown Grant Purposes are certified by the Surveyor-General and must be Edition 1 of the plan.

Drafting standards

To ensure uniformity and adherence to standards, SGV provides a detailed drafting manual. It can be referenced for all aspects of plan preparation related to government land dealings.

Plan templates and fonts

Surveyors may use any CAD software to produce plans for government land dealings. They must be prepared in accordance with the SGV Drafting Manual. The following templates, fonts and seed files are available to assist surveyors to prepare plans for lodgement with the Surveyor-General.

Templates

Fonts

Seed files

All plan templates listed above have been approved by the Surveyor-General and must be strictly adhered to. Fonts and seed files have been provided to enable consistency of products and services provided by Government.

How to lodge

Plans of Crown Allotment and Title Plans for Crown Grant Purposes are lodged with SGV by a Licensed Surveyor through SPEAR.

The responsible government agency must submit a request to SGV via SGV Connect to progress the SPEAR application. Details of the proposed land dealing must be provided. The application can then be accepted and examined by SGV.

Plan types not suitable for SPEAR can be submitted directly to SGV via email at csa.enquiries@transport.vic.gov.au.

If you require more information or have any questions, please email csa.enquiries@transport.vic.gov.au.

Page last updated: 05/12/25