29/05/2026
In recent weeks, we shared findings from the ‘Australia’s Underground Utility Safety Reckoning’ report – one of the most comprehensive examinations of utility strike risk in Australia.
The message is clear: Australia’s approach to underground utility safety is no longer fit for purpose.
We are operating in a high-risk environment with:
🔸 Fragmented legal frameworks
🔸 Inconsistent data quality
🔸 Systems that have not kept pace with modern infrastructure demands.
While responsibility is often described as “shared”, in practice it is too often pushed to those with the least ability to influence outcomes.
This is not a knowledge gap.
This is a commitment challenge.
The research sets out a practical path forward:
1️⃣ Mandatory BYDA utility plan requests
2️⃣ Stronger, nationally consistent legal frameworks
3️⃣ Improved underground asset data quality and accessibility, including digital and GIS capability
4️⃣ Greater investment in workforce capability and awareness, and enforcement.
These are not radical ideas.
They are proven approaches already adopted globally.
At BYDA, we are committed to enabling this reform.
But meaningful change requires collective action.
We invite government, regulators, asset owners and industry leaders to step forward and publicly commit to strengthening Australia’s utility safety framework.
Because if we choose not to act, we are also choosing to accept the consequences.
the three critical actions for utility safety reform 👉 https://tinyurl.com/28jwe54u
