Since the Board’s last communique in June 2024, the Board has continued to monitor the certification of ‘As-Constructed’ plans and remains concerned that certification is still being undertaken by individuals who do not hold the appropriate level of surveyor registration.
Recently, the Board has handled two complaint matters involving inappropriate certification of As-Constructed plans:
- Complaint Matter 1: An unregistered individual certified an As-Constructed plan submitted to a local authority using their Geospatial Council of Australia membership details.
- Complaint Matter 2: A Director, who is a registered Surveying Associate, of an unregistered corporation certified an As-Constructed plan submitted to a local authority.
The Board reminds all surveyors, local governments, and utility organisations that:
- Only a Registered Surveyor or Registered Surveyor with Endorsement has the necessary qualifications, training, and Board-assessed competency to sign a ‘Registered Surveyors Certification’ for an ‘As-Constructed’ plan. Any certification by an individual holding a lower level of registration – such as Registered Surveying Graduate or Registered Surveying Associate – is considered unprofessional conduct and may be subject to disciplinary action.
- ‘As-Constructed’ plans may include certification of boundary offsets. If a boundary has been identified to determine the offset, legislation requires that a Registered Surveyor with a Cadastral Endorsement must undertake the boundary identification and provide certification.
- Queensland registered surveying corporations may certify ‘As-Constructed’ plans. In such cases, only a Public Officer of the corporation (Director or Company Secretary) or an Authorised Delegate may sign on behalf of the corporation.
The Board is actively working with stakeholders to reinforce these requirements and ensure compliance. Any instances of improper certification may be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken.
We strongly urge all registered surveyors and organisations involved in the preparation and certification of ‘As-Constructed’ plans to ensure that all certifications comply with these professional standards.
For further clarification or to report concerns, please contact the Surveyors Board of Queensland.