For nearly 40 years, the Before You Dig referral service has helped Australians access the utility plans and safety information they need before beginning any digging or excavation project. A common question we hear is: “Is Before You Dig free?” 
The answer is simple: yes. The BYDA referral service is completely free. 

Every day, thousands of users rely on BYDA to obtain utility plans and safety information from registered asset owners before they start digging. This helps protect workers, prevent service outages to critical networks, and avoid costly damage. 

Digging with shovel image

The BYDA Referral Service: Always Free, Available 24/7 

Lodging a free enquiry directly with BYDA gives you access to plans and safety guidelines from asset owners across Australia. Whether you’re a homeowner planting a tree, a contractor excavating a site, or a council planning infrastructure works, there is no cost to use the BYDA service. 

Once you submit an enquiry at www.byda.com.au, your responses will appear in your BYDA account, where you can: 

  • Access all plans and safety information in our collated response viewer 
  • View estimated wait times for responses from asset owners 
  • Download files to review or share with your crew 

Beware of Third-Party Providers Charging Fees 

BYDA is aware that some third-party companies may charge users to obtain utility plans on their behalf. This is unnecessary. The official BYDA service delivers this information directly from registered utility owners, free of charge. 

To ensure you’re receiving accurate, up-to-date and complete information, always lodge your free enquiry directly through the official BYDA website or mobile app. 

Why Using BYDA Matters 

Using the BYDA service not only helps you work safely — it also supports the broader goal of zero damage, zero harm and zero disruption. By accessing plans through BYDA, you’re helping protect: 

  • Workers and community safety 
  • Essential services such as electricity, gas, water and telecommunications 
  • Your project from delays, disruptions and unnecessary costs 

How to Lodge Your Free BYDA Enquiry 

  1. Visit www.byda.com.au 
  1. Select “Get Plans & Portal Login” 
  1. Log in or create a free BYDA account 
  1. Enter your job details and submit 
  1. Review your utility plans and safety information in your BYDA account 

It’s quick, easy, and most importantly, it’s free.  

Work smart. Dig safe. Lodge your enquiry directly with BYDA — Australia’s trusted source for utility safety information.