Manning Land Solutions

15/10/2026

A little surveying history in the MLS office this week with Gavin and Linda explaining one of the tools that helped surveyors measure and map the land long before GPS, drones and modern total stations.
Traditional survey chains were used to physically measure distances across the ground - simple technology by today’s standards, but remarkably effective in skilled hands.
So how did surveyors achieve reliable results with something as simple as a chain?
The accuracy came as much from the surveyor and the method as it did from the equipment.
Chains were regularly checked against known standards because wear and temperature could alter their length. Surveyors carefully aligned the chain along the required line, applied consistent tension and measured horizontal distances — even across sloping country.
It was a profession built around precision, discipline and understanding the land.
Today, surveyors have access to sophisticated equipment and digital mapping technology. The equipment may have changed dramatically, but the fundamentals haven’t.
Measure carefully. Check your work. Understand the land.
It’s another reminder of the surveying heritage Manning Land Solutions carries forward today - combining generations of local knowledge with the technology available to modern surveyors.
If you’re interested in seeing a piece of surveying history, take a look at the old survey chain next time you visit our Taree office.

10/09/2026

At Manning Land Solutions (MLS), we are proud to be building on a heritage that began in 1850.
For more than 175 years, that legacy has been connected to the land, the people and the development of the Manning Valley.
While the tools may have changed, and while our name may have changed, our connection to the region has not.
We know the land and we know the local area.
We understand the communities we work in and the challenges that come with developing land across the Manning Valley.
From the early survey parties working with chains, theodolites and field books, to today’s use of drones, GPS, digital mapping and high-precision surveying technology, the way we work has evolved considerably but the fundamentals remain the same — local knowledge, trusted advice and a genuine understanding of the land we live and work on.
From McGlashan & Crisp to Manning Land Solutions, we are proud of where we have come from and even more excited about where we are going because for us, local knowledge isn’t something that can be manufactured overnight.
We know the land because we’ve been part of its story for generations.

03/09/2026

Our MLS Director and Senior Registered Surveyor, Gavin Watson, recently attended CareerQuip 2026, helping introduce local students to the opportunities available within the surveying profession.
CareerQuip provides students with the opportunity to discover pathways into thriving careers in high-demand industries, including surveying and land development.
Surveying plays a critical role in the development of our towns and communities, combining technology, problem-solving, fieldwork and an understanding of the land.
As a local business, we love having the opportunity to show the next generation just how much the profession has evolved. Today’s surveyors use STEM skills, drones, digital mapping and high-precision technology to capture information, solve complex problems and help shape the places where we live, work and grow.
For Gavin, supporting events like CareerQuip is about giving young people a better understanding of what a career in surveying can offer and encouraging the next generation to consider a profession that continues to be in strong demand.
At Manning Land Solutions, we believe there is real value in experienced local professionals sharing their knowledge, supporting career pathways and helping build the future of our industry.
A great opportunity to promote surveying, connect with the next generation and showcase the exciting career opportunities available right here in our region.
Surveying today - Shaping tomorrow.

28/08/2026

When clients engage MLS, they are not just looking for advice on planning rules and development approvals. They are looking for someone who can listen, understand their goals, solve problems and help them navigate what can often feel like a complicated process. Building those relationships and communicating clearly is a key part of what we do every day.
Those qualities were at the heart of a recent interview with our Senior Planner, Linda Ferguson, as part of the Taree Universities Campus Human Library initiative. The program provides students with the opportunity to hear firsthand from local professionals about their careers, the challenges they face, and what their day-to-day work is really like.
During the interview, Linda spoke about the role of a planner and the importance of understanding the people behind every project. Drawing on her experience across the Manning Valley, she explained that while planning is often viewed as a technical profession, success comes from listening to clients, understanding their goals and providing practical advice that reflects both planning requirements and local knowledge. With every property, family and project being unique, an understanding of the local area, Council expectations and community context helps ensure clients receive advice that is realistic, achievable and tailored to their individual circumstances.
By participating in the Human Library, Linda was able to share not only what planners do, but why the profession is ultimately about people. Listening, communicating and working collaboratively are just as important as understanding planning legislation, and these are the skills that help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes.
We thank Taree Universities Campus for the opportunity and are proud to contribute to initiatives that encourage students to explore career pathways while highlighting the value that local professionals bring to our community.

20/08/2026

Big news from the team at Manning Land Solutions! 🛰️

We just picked up some serious new gear for the field: the new Trimble R980 GNSS system and TSC5 controller.

Thanks to its high-range radio setup, our field crews can now push much further out on rural jobs while keeping that pinpoint, survey-grade accuracy our clients rely on—no matter how remote the site is.

Always striving to bring the best tools to the job so we can deliver top results for our local community and regional projects! 🚜🌾

21/07/2026

Setting the foundation for our community’s healthcare future! 🏥📐

​Our expert team was out at the Manning Base Hospital site today, marking key gridlines and spatial control points for Hansen Yunken as big earthworks kick off.

​Great to see this project moving into the next phase! 🚜✨

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08/07/2026

One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is helping people achieve their goals and seeing their projects come to life.

We were recently delighted to receive a lovely thank you card and some thoughtful gifts from clients we assisted through the completion of their 3-lot subdivision project.

As first-time developers, they trusted Manning Land Solutions to guide them through every stage of the process—from Development Application approval, civil design and subdivision certification, right through to final land title registration.

It's been a pleasure working alongside them throughout their journey, and we're incredibly grateful for their kind words and generosity.

A big congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone, and thank you for allowing us to be part of your success story!
We truly have the best clients. 😊

30/06/2026

Today, Manning Land Solutions was proud to place the first construction marks for the proposed new inpatient building at Manning Hospital.

It's exciting to be involved at the very beginning of a project that will have such a positive impact on our local community. From these first marks, an important new healthcare facility will begin to take shape.

We're looking forward to supporting Hansen Yuncken and seeing this significant redevelopment progress.

25/06/2026

🚨 MISSING SURVEY EQUIPMENT 🚨

Our yellow survey legs and prism have gone missing and were last seen in the Wingham Brush area earlier this week.
If you have seen them, picked them up, or may know where they are, please send us a message or contact our office.
We would greatly appreciate any information that could help us locate them.

📞 Contact our office (02) 6552 1566
📩 Send us a Facebook message

17/06/2026

Pleasure to help out!

A huge thank you to Manning Land Solutions for their ongoing support of Manning Valley Hockey Association.

Linda and her team continue to go above and beyond to assist our Association, generously providing menu printing for our 2026 events and professional surveying support.

We would particularly like to acknowledge Linda Ferguson, Sam Ferguson and Reid McPherson, who stepped up under significant time pressure to ensure our fields were surveyed in time for last week’s NSW CCC Hockey Championships. Their willingness to help and commitment to getting the job done made a real difference.

We are incredibly grateful for their support, professionalism and community spirit. Partnerships like this help us deliver quality events and opportunities for our players, officials and visitors.

Thank you, Manning Land Solutions – your support is truly appreciated. 🏑👏👏👏.