Licensing agreement secured for Tasmanian surveying plans
February 3, 2026
Copyright Agency is pleased to announce a new licensing agreement with the Tasmanian Government that secures copyright royalties for the creators of surveying plans used by or for the Tasmanian Government.
Under the terms of the agreement a retrospective licence fee of $258,000 has been paid, covering the period from the financial years 2020-21 through 2024-25. Going forward, the Tasmanian Government will pay an annual equitable remuneration to ensure surveyors are fairly rewarded when their plans are used.
With the agreement in place, Copyright Agency has now secured licensing arrangements for surveying plans with every Australian jurisdiction. Surveyors across all states and territories can now rely on this framework for remuneration when their work is used by government.
“Surveyors produce highly-skilled, technical plans that underpin land development, infrastructure and countless public service projects,” said Josephine Johnston, Copyright Agency CEO. “This agreement demonstrates that surveyors, like all creators, deserve to be paid when their work is used. Across Australia the message is now clear: this sector’s contributions are respected and valued.”
Matthew Reid, Surveyor General at Land Tasmania said, “This agreement establishes a consistent framework for the management of copyright associated with surveying plans lodged with the Land Titles Office, formalising how copyright in that work is managed and providing greater certainty for the surveying profession. Surveyors undertake work that requires specialist expertise, and the agreement acknowledges the intellectual property associated with that professional work.”
Surveying firms and surveyor sole traders who have not yet joined Copyright Agency are encouraged to do so to ensure they are eligible to receive royalty payments for plans that have been identified as used. For more information or to join please visit our website or contact Member Services.