Rural Addressing

What is Rural Addressing?

Rural addressing is a method of identifying and addressing rural properties throughout Australia, which was developed by the Federal Government as an Australian-wide initiative, in consultation with Emergency Services. The guidelines for rural addressing are set out in the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZ 4819:2011. In Queensland, the responsibility for implementing rural addressing lies with local Councils.

How Does it Work?

Rural addressing is a distance based system. Each property is allocated a unique numbered address based on the distance of the property entrance from the nearest intersection. Numbers are calculated by dividing the distance, in metres, from a road’s datum (start) point to the property’s main access by 10 and rounding to a whole number. Odd numbers are assigned to properties on the left side of a road and even numbers are assigned to properties on the right side of a road. For example, the number 293 indicates the address is between 2,920m and 2,940m down the road on the left side. The number 450 indicates the address is between 4,490m and 4,510m down the road on the right side – please refer to the figure below:

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has implemented this system and will assign a new property number to replace your current Lot, Rural Mail Box (RMB) or property number. If you have an alternative address for your postal address, this will remain unchanged. If you receive mail at your property, you should change your postal address to show your allocated rural address number.

What are the Benefits?

Rural residents have in the past been disadvantaged by not having a clearly defined address. This can be costly, inconvenient, and may at times be the difference between life and death. Valuable time may be wasted if emergency services need to search for a person’s property. Rural addressing is most important, as it provides quick identification and location of your rural property and can benefit you by:

• Providing you with a logically established address;
• Improved response to emergency service situations;
• More efficient mail delivery services;
• Improved delivery of goods and services as well as the provision of medical and veterinary services;
• Councils can more effectively administer and deliver information and services;
• Utility providers such as Tesltra and Ergon Energy now require a recognised street or road number (not lot number) to assist with their maintenance programs and establishment of new services; and

Creating a vital database for a wide range of Government agencies.

How do I Get One?

By contacting Council and filling out an application form. Rural numbers are initially issued to each property owner by Council free of charge and consist of a star picket, plastic module and reflective numbering stickers. Please ensure that you notify Council if you move the location of your property access, as this may affect the number of your address.

What About if Mine is Faded or Needs Replacing?

It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain and replace their post, numbers or module from Council as required. If you currently have a rural address that is faded or in disrepair, Council can supply you with replacement parts. Please refer to Council’s 2022/2023 fees and charges below:

To view Council's Rates, Fees and Charges, please see below.

Rates Fees and Charges

Download the Rural Numbering Application Form

For more information:

Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Design Department
PO Box 366, Ingham Qld 4850
Phone: 4776 4600
Email: council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au