SOC Work Program

The NSW Streets Opening Conference has an agreed work program for the 2001/2002 year. The work program will focus on the following activities:

• Model Agreement for Local Government and Utilities
• Information Bulletin on Codes and Practices
• Heads of Agreement
• Regional Promotion
• Specifications and Agreements
• Works Coordination Database
• Landscaping on Footpaths
• Communication with State Ministers

Further promotion of the Model Agreement to local councils, utility/service providers and contractors. Particular emphasis will be on extending the application of the Model Agreement beyond the Sydney metropolitan area.

Target Completion Date: Ongoing

Information Bulletin on Codes and Practices

Preparation of a final draft of the revised 1997 edition of the Information Bulletin for public exhibit. After considering submissions, the draft Information Bulletin will be refined and put to the NSW SOC for approval. The 2002 edition of the Information Bulletin on Codes and Practices will be widely promoted across NSW to local councils, relevant organisations and associations and utility/service providers.

Target Completion Date: Review submissions - 31/01/02
NSW SOC approval - 28/02/02
Publication and distribution - 31/04/02
Promotion - ongoing

Heads of Agreement

The NSW SOC will continue to work with SSROC to draft an acceptable Heads of Agreement.

Target Completion Date: 31/10/02

Regional Promotion

Mounting of a major promotional effort to make regional councils, utility/service providers and their contractors aware of the NSW SOC's role and achievements, and seek their involvement in the NSW SOC's activities. A series of visits to regional centres will be scheduled and regional street opening groups will be encouraged to liase with and participate in the NSW SOC's activities.

Target Completion Date: Ongoing

Specifications and Agreements

Further revision, as needed, of specifications relating to street opening works, and assisting the development of agreements between local councils and utility/service providers as models to be used widely throughout NSW.

Target Completion Date: Ongoing

Works Coordination Database

Further examination of the potential for developing an on-line database of planned community works programs with implications for street opening works.

Target Completion Date: 30/06/02

Landscaping on Footpaths

Development of further guidance on the street tree and landscaping issues associated with providing utility services in the road reserve. This will primarily be addressed in conjunction with the review of the 1997 edition of the Information Bulletin on Codes and Practices.

Target Completion Date: 30/06/02

Communication with State Ministers

Open communication channels with relevant Ministers, advising them of the NSW SOC and seeking their support for the Conference's activities.

Target Completion Date: 30/06/02