VicRoads manages two forms of land that may share a fence:
- A road reserve, which is adjacent to arterial roads or freeways and has the same status as the adjoining road; and
- “Land in title”, which is land that has been acquired or purchased by VicRoads for future road or transport projects.
Fencing Obligations – Roads and Road Reserve
Under Schedule 5, Section 4 of the Road Management Act 2004, VicRoads is not responsible for all roads, only freeways and arterial roads. These can be identified by viewing VicRoads maps of declared roads.
If the fence is adjacent to an arterial road or freeway, the land will be classed as road reserve and will have the same status as the road, therefore the adjacent land owner is responsible for the whole cost of the fence.
If the road is not a freeway or an arterial road, contact your local council to establish the status of the road and fencing responsibilities.
Fencing Obligations – Land in Title (Not Road)
If the land is owned by VicRoads “land in title”, VicRoads is responsible for sharing half of the cost of the fence, subject to the following requirements, as set out in the Fences Act 1968.
If a property owner’s land is adjacent to VicRoads “land in title”, contact BGIS on 1800 960 722 or [email protected].
The adjacent land owner is to obtain two quotes for a 5”4’ (1.6M) paling wood fence (treated pine). The quotes should be forwarded to BGIS who will obtain a third probity quote and arrange for review/approval of the fencing works. Any additional requirements (colour bond, higher height fence etc) will need to be noted separately on the quote and the adjacent land owner will be responsible for these costs. Please note that gates providing access to VicRoads land are not permitted under any circumstances. An agreement on the quote and contractor to be used will then be reached between the adjoining land owner and BGIS on VicRoads’ behalf.
Once the fence has been completed, an invoice for 50% of the total cost should be forwarded to BGIS for review and payment.
Further information on requirements of the Fences Act 2014 can be found on the
Department of Justice Website.