Chairman’s Welcome

From the International Chair

The final preparations for Trenchless Asia 2006, which is to be held in Shanghai from 7 – 9 March 2006, indicate that this event will be another outstanding event in this well established series of Conferences and Exhibitions on Trenchless Technology in Asia. Attendance is a must from those with an interest in Trenchless Technology in our region, and will provide a wonderful opportunity to gain insight into the dramatic growth and markets in this exciting
economy.

All those who are members of a National Society for Trenchless Technology affiliated with the International Society for Trenchless Technology will soon be able to provide their views on the future direction of ISTT, and where it should be focussing to provide Membership value. A short questionnaire which will provide critical input into ISTT’s next Strategic Plan will be sent to all our members and I encourage you to have your say in the future of ISTT.

From the ASTT Chair

Our hard working Secretary/Treasurer, Jeff Pace, has now finalised our Business Plan for 2006, and a review on our website, or a summary of our Business Plan in the Secretary’s Corner in this magazine, will show the firm direction and targets we have set ourselves for 2006. It has all the indications of being a very important year for ASTT.

A meeting Jeff and I had with the Conference Organising Committee for the Brisbane NO-DIG in mid January 2006 clearly demonstrated the very pleasing progress that has been made in ensuring a successful International Event from October 29 to November 2, 2006. Andy Krumins, the Chairman of the COC, and Sonia Higgs, from AGF, our Professional Conference Organiser, supported by an equally hardworking Committee, are pulling together all the planning issues to ensure an outstanding, prestigious Event.

A new initiative for this Event will be the Asia-Pacific Trenchless Issue Workshop. A fully interactive Workshop, with international interpretation facilities will enable a vigorous pursuit of major regional issues. A communiqu̩ presenting findings of the Workshop will be made during the Brisbane NO-DIG Event. Invitations have been sent to all the Societies of the Asia Pacific Region (including the emerging Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Societies) seeking nominations for Workshop. The Workshop will be facilitated by Mr Dec Downey, the ISTT Vice Chairman, who has a wide and deep understanding of, as well as abiding interest in Trenchless Technology issues in the region.

The response to participation in the Exhibition arising from the Exhibition Brochure which is available at www.nodig06.im.com.au has been outstanding, and there has been some healthy competition for the very attractive sponsorship packages that are being offered.

Everything is shaping up for a very successful NO-DIG 2006 in Brisbane, October 29 to November 2. You should make every effort to be there for this leading, prestigious Trenchless Technology Event for the 2006 International calendar.

Menno Henneveld

Chairman ISTT,