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 has been the development
of a Model Agreement for Local Councils and Utility/Service
Providers and the Guide to Codes and Practices for Streets
|
