Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Land Surveyors and Town Planning Experts in Melbourne
Barker Monahan has been a trusted name in land surveying and town planning for over 50 years. Established in 1948, our firm has built enduring relationships with local councils, developers, and property investors across Melbourne. Our expertise spans land surveying, subdivision, urban planning, and VCAT representation, supported by a team of certified professionals with deep local government knowledge. We combine decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver precise survey plans and strategic planning advice. Our holistic approach ensures clients receive tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial projects of all scales. With formal contracts with 13 metropolitan councils, we are recognized as Melbourne's leading consulting survey firm for local government matters.Our commitment to accuracy, compliance, and client collaboration has made us the preferred partner for navigating complex development processes. We pride ourselves on transforming property challenges into opportunities through expert analysis and clear communication. Our legacy of trust and technical excellence continues under the Terrain Consulting Group umbrella, expanding our resources while maintaining personalized service. From initial surveys to final approvals, we guide clients through every stage of their development journey.
Services
Land Surveying
Land Subdivision
Town Planning
Urban Planning
Property Rezoning
VCAT Representation
Title Re-establishment
Feature Surveys
Planning Applications
Subdivision Design
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined experience in Melbourne land surveying and town planning
- Our team includes certified planners with direct local government experience
- We provide holistic advice covering entire development lifecycles
- Our deep understanding of council processes ensures efficient approvals
- We combine traditional expertise with modern surveying technology
What people say
Saved stressful months
Extensive VCAT experience
Professional conduct
Timely outcomes
Expert council knowledge
Services
Land Surveying
Our land surveying services establish precise property boundaries, topography, and legal title positions using advanced technology. We create detailed plans for development applications, property transactions, and dispute resolution. Our surveys meet council requirements for subdivisions, building permits, and planning scheme compliance across Melbourne's residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Land Subdivision
We specialize in converting single land parcels into multiple lots through subdivision processes. Our services cover feasibility analysis, council applications, plan preparation, and registration with Land Victoria. We handle both small-scale residential projects and large commercial developments, ensuring compliance with local regulations and infrastructure requirements.
Town Planning
Our town planning consultants provide strategic guidance for property development projects. We assess planning scheme requirements, prepare applications, and negotiate with councils to achieve approvals. Services include land use applications, planning permits, and representation at council meetings and VCAT hearings for residential, commercial, and industrial developments.
VCAT Representation
We represent clients in VCAT proceedings for planning application disputes. Our services include case assessment, evidence preparation, mediation support, and tribunal advocacy. With extensive experience in planning law and council processes, we develop strategic arguments to support clients' development proposals during formal hearings.
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services address medium and high-density development projects in Melbourne. We analyze zoning regulations, prepare planning schemes, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams for mixed-use developments. Our expertise covers residential estates, commercial complexes, and infrastructure projects requiring council approval and community consultation.
People
Lorenzo Rigoni
Director - Planning Consultant
With 25+ years' experience including 15 years in private consultancy, Lorenzo specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial development projects. Certified by the Planning Institute Australia, he provides expert VCAT representation and strategic planning advice.
Stephen McCarthy
Special Consultant
A licensed surveyor with 30+ years' experience, Stephen has worked in Victorian private practice and with NSW Roads and Traffic Authority. He specializes in survey-based planning solutions and subdivision design for complex developments.
Andrew Smith
Director - Licensed Land Surveyor
Andrew brings 30+ years' expertise in property title dealings and subdivisions. With experience since 1983, he specializes in legal compliance for land development projects and survey plan preparation for council approvals.
David Monahan
Founder
David established Barker Monahan in 1974 and served as Licensed Surveyor until 2019. His leadership built the firm's reputation for technical excellence and client-focused service across five decades of Melbourne's urban development.
Glen Fuller
Senior Surveyor
Glen specializes in land and building subdivisions with expertise in local government requirements. He manages road discontinuance projects and electronic feature surveys, applying extensive technical knowledge to complex development challenges.
Questions
What land surveying services do you offer?
We provide boundary surveys, subdivision plans, title re-establishment, feature/level surveys, and planning scheme compliance assessments for residential, commercial, and industrial properties across Melbourne.
Can you assist with property subdivision?
Yes, we handle all aspects of land subdivision including initial feasibility analysis, council applications, plan preparation, and final registration with Land Victoria for residential and commercial developments.
Do you represent clients at VCAT?
Our certified planners provide expert VCAT representation, including evidence preparation, mediation support, and advocacy for planning application appeals and disputes.
How do you handle council planning applications?
We prepare comprehensive applications with supporting reports, coordinate specialist consultants, and manage council negotiations to maximize approval chances while addressing community concerns.
What areas do you service?
While based in Kew, we operate across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, maintaining strong relationships with 13 local councils and state planning authorities.
