ASSESSING CADASTRE 2034 TO DEVELOP A FEDERATED CADASTRAL SYSTEM IN NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIA: MIXED METHODS RESEARCH APPROACH

Abstract. Cadastre 2034 is a National Strategy developed by the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) for cadastral reform and innovation for Australia and one of the goals is to develop a federated cadastral system. It states to define governance and administration on a federal level by unifying the existing systems with uniform standards, policies, guidelines and legislation and to allow further work towards a global cadastre. The aim of this research paper is to explore the behaviours and attitudes of New South Wales (NSW) cadastre towards a federated cadastral system assessing the best practice of federated cadastre global cases that may be applied locally in Australia. Mixed Methods Research (MMR) methodology was used, involving both quantitative and qualitative research to understand, identify and frame the cadastral data to determine and analyse the key issues and factors in implementing a federated cadastral system in New South Wales (NSW). A literature review, a questionnaire survey and interviews were used to collect the quantitative and qualitative data. A sequential MMR design framework was used a questionnaire survey followed by interviews. The questionnaire was sent out to 215 industry and government participants and resulted 71 completed surveys. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 participants. The linking of quantitative and qualitative data occurred at the design-level, where results from the first phase were used to build the second phase of research design.

It was explored that strong historical foundations, regressive reaction of governments and institutions, and a lack of understanding of the significance of cadastral reform were the key hindering factors to develop a federated cadastral system in NSW. The resulting analysis could be contributed to a better implementation of a federated cadastral system in NSW benefitting private, and public institutions.