Annual Report 2002

Foreword2002 marked an exciting and progressive periodfor the Surveyors Board of Victoria. In addition toundertaking its statutory responsibilities, the Boardcelebrated the sesquicentenary honouring theestablishment of the Office of the Surveyor General.The Board also conducted the inaugural Conferralof Registration and Certificate Presentation Ceremonyfor newly Registered Surveyors.The Surveyors Board of Victoria (the Board)welcomed and contributed to the AuditorGeneral’s inquiry into Surveying Information atLand Victoria and continued to reviewsurveying related regulations. Additionally, theBoard comprehensively reviewed its strategicdirection and business plan and is confident itis well prepared for the future and theevolving surveying landscape.The Board has a strong 141-year history ofunderpinning the maintenance and integrityof Victoria’s system of property boundaries;known as the cadastre. Its statutory functionsare a key element in the Government’s riskmanagement which supports the state’s landregistration system. The Valuer General hasrecently advised that the value of rateableproperty in Victoria is approximately $500billion. By overseeing and upholding a highlevel of competence within the land surveyingprofession, the Board ensures that theVictorian community enjoys confidence intheir land and property rights.The Board continues to encourage theadoption of new technology and practises toimprove the quality and efficiency of surveyingservices. Continual refinements of GeographicInformation Systems (GIS), Global PositioningSystems (GPS) and Remote Total Stationsincreasingly enhance the surveyors’ capacityto deliver new and existing services to thecommunity.The Board recognises the significance ofproperty to the Victorian economy and theimportant role that land surveyors play. Theactivities undertaken by the Board this yearhave played an integral role in progressingthe system for regulation of land surveying,ensuring the Board continues to provide bestpractice regulation and guidance to surveyors,the profession and the wider community.Keith C. Bell, RFDChairmanSurveyors Board of Victoria1