Rural Street Addressing

The Shire of Esperance provides a rural street addressing service for rural and semi‑rural properties. This service uses a national standard to assign clear and consistent street numbers, helping ensure that eligible properties can be easily located.

Rural street addressing supports emergency services, service delivery and navigation for residents and visitors.

Why rural street addressing is important

Having an assigned rural street address provides a number of benefits, including:

  • A clear and recognisable street address for your property
  • Faster and more accurate responses from emergency services
  • Easier delivery of government services
  • Improved delivery of mail and goods (your PO Box remains unchanged)
  • Better navigation for visitors using maps and GPS

How rural street numbers are assigned

Street numbers are assigned based on the distance from the start of the road to the entrance of the property.

⬅️ Odd numbers are located on the left-hand side of the road

➡️ Even numbers are located on the right-hand side

Examples include:

  • 327 – 3.27 kilometres from the start of the road, left-hand side
  • 1026 – 10.26 kilometres from the start of the road, right-hand side

This approach provides a logical and consistent numbering system that is easy to understand.

How to request a rural street address

To request a rural street address, email planning@esperance.wa.gov.au with details of the property or properties requiring a number.

Once your request is received, the Shire’s Planning team will:

  • Action the request
  • Assign the rural street address and update details with the Shire
  • Arrange the installation of the street number sign

Eligibility

Rural street addresses are allocated to developed properties, including houses and properties with established infrastructure.

Vacant land, paddocks or properties without buildings or services are not eligible for a rural street address.

Replacing or fixing an existing street number

If your rural street number is damaged, missing or incorrect, please email planning@esperance.wa.gov.au.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Do I need to apply if my property already has a rural street address?

No. If your property already has an assigned rural street address, there is no need to apply. You only need to contact the Shire if you believe your address is incorrect, missing or needs to be replaced.

Will a rural street address replace my PO Box?

No. A rural street address does not replace your PO Box. You can continue to use your PO Box for mail delivery if you have one, while also using your rural street address for identification, services and emergency response.

Can I keep using my RMB number?

No. RMB (Roadside Mail Box) numbers are not valid addresses. They describe a mail route, not a property location, and are no longer recognised by Australia Post or emergency services. Australia Post made this change in the early to mid-2000s in alignment with State Government, Local Governments and Emergency services.

What about lot numbers?

Lot and location numbers are land title references, not physical addresses. They cannot be used to locate a property for delivery or emergencies.

Is this my new postal address?

  • If mail is delivered to your property, use your rural street address.
  • If you use a PO Box or Locked Bag, you can keep using that for mail.
  • A PO Box does not replace your official street address.

Is there a cost to request a rural street address?

There is no cost to request a rural street address through the Shire. Installation of the street number sign is also arranged by the Shire once the address is assigned.