NSW Streets Opening Conference

The NSW Streets Opening Conference (SOC) is a voluntary association of member organisations that have agreed to meet together for resolution of issues on a cooperative basis, respecting each member's rights and obligations in providing their respective services to the community.

The objectives of the NSW SOC are to:

• foster co-ordination of underground utility works, avoid damage to other underground services, and minimise the impact of those activities on the local natural and built environment;
• establish agreed footway allocations and practices for the provision of utility services;
• minimise interference to traffic and pedestrian flow caused by road openings for the installation, operation and maintenance of utility services;
• encourage the use of agreed codes and practices for the excavation, back filling and re-instatement of roadways and footways.

Membership of the Conference is generally open to service utilities, local government and road authorities, light rail operators and relevant government regulatory bodies. Membership may also include consulting and other groups who have an ongoing interest in street services, such as the providers or operators of underground oil or gas pipelines.

In recent years there have been significant changes in the operational environments of both utility/service providers and local councils. Corporatisation and the introduction of competitive tendering, together with community service obligations, have sharpened the focus on achieving cooperative and efficient practices.

A major task for the NSW SOC over the last year has been the development of a Model Agreement for Local Councils and Utility/Service Providers that could serve as a model for local councils and utility authorities in this new operational environment.

Hard copies and electronic copies of the Model Agreement are also available from the IPWEA and are free of charge. Please contact Tracey Gigg on 02 8267 3013 to obtain copies or you may download the document in PDF format. (95 k)