Authorities can come onto any land temporarily without having to acquire the land. Authorities may temporarily occupy land for purposes authorised by the Land Acquisition Act 1969 (SA) and may do any of the following [s 28(1)]:

The Authority must give at least 7 days written notice to the owner and occupier of the land can then enter the land and commence work [s 28(2)].

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 Supreme Court for an order that the Authority acquire her or his interest in the land [s 28(3)], or within three months, apply for compensation [s 29]. Special provisions apply to native title land.