The International No-Dig Down Under is to be held in Sydney from the 1-4 September 2013 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. The exhibition promises to be spectacular, and with the recent release of the conference program, make sure that your registration to attend as a delegate gets in early to avoid disappointment. It is a great opportunity to showcase your trenchless products and services, and to see the best and latest in the world here in Australia. Invite your clients, staff and stakeholders to this event and update them on the trenchless industry to benefit your business.
No-Dig Down Under will be held just prior to the Australian Federal election, and this will allow the trenchless industry to be highlighted. The ASTT will be promoting to government that Trenchless Technology should be more considered and prominent, particularly for large infrastructure programs, such as the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Recent criticism in the media of the NBN and its construction outcomes have placed more focus on better construction methods, such as trenchless methods. The lack of consultation in the industry has been a concern surrounding the NBN, with installation focussing more on construction price rather than construction quality or outcome. This has led to some public dissatisfaction with many of the installations to date. With much of the intended program still to be rolled-out, more pressure will be aimed at on to the NBN Co. to better consider construction methods, rather than just a price focus.
This includes other issues, such as ensuring that properly skilled operators are performing the installations. The ASTT has been playing a prominent role in ensuring that there are recognised qualifications in place for trenchless operators. These include all facets of Trenchless Technology, including HDD, pipe bursting and pipe rehabilitation. Trade level-recognised qualifications are available to trenchless operators in both the civil construction drilling training packages, and it is now incumbent on asset owners to demand that trade level-qualified persons install their works. If they are not seeking that on what should be a quality job, why not?
The Annual General Meeting for the Society was held recently and the ASTT Councillors were re-elected to their positions with no changes. The councillors will be meeting shortly to plan the strategic direction for the Society for the next few years, including what conferences and events ASTT members would like to see held. This is the opportunity for members to have a say, through their State or Territory councillor. Take the opportunity to do so if you wish by contacting them and putting forward your views.
Trevor Gosatti
ASTT Chairman