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 has been the development of a Model
Agreement for Local Councils and Utility/Service Providers and the
Guide to Codes and Practices for Streets Opening; that could serve as a
model for local councils and utility authorities in this new operational
environment.
- View the 2009 Guide to Codes & Practices [PDF,
2.5MB]
- View the Model Agreement for Local Councils and
Utility/Service Providers [PDF, 126kb]
- View the 2009 Centenary Publication A Centenary of
Utilities Cooperation (3.8MB PDF)
More information can be found at the Streets Opening Conference
website www.streetsopening.com.au