Authorities can come onto any land temporarily without having to acquire the land. Authorities may temporarily occupy land for purposes authorised by law and may:

[see Land Acquisition Act 1969 (SA) s 28].

The authority must give seven (7) days written notice and can then come onto the land and commence work.

Land that can be occupied by the authority through temporary occupation includes land that is:

Anyone affected by a temporary occupation can apply to the court for an order that the authority acquire her or his interest in the land, or within three months, apply for compensation. Special provisions apply to native title land. The General Division of the Supreme Court is the court with jurisdiction to hear disputes under this Act [see Land Acquisition Act 1969 (SA) s 29].