Our history
In 1984, a significant incident occurred in Bibra Lake, Western Australia where a bulldozer punctured a high-pressure gas pipeline. This caused significant damage to the bulldozer, and nearby infrastructure. Fortunately, the bulldozer operator survived without injury.
As a result of this incident, Foundation Members (Telstra, SECWA (now ATCO Gas Australia and Western Power) and Water Corporation) created what was then known as the Perth One Call System. By the 1990s, all states and Territories followed suit to form state Dial Before You Dig organisations consisting of Member organisations from Australia’s infrastructure asset owners and non-asset owners.
For over three decades, DBYD state and national entities provided an essential service to members and the industry, protecting utility assets and preventing harm to people. To ensure we remain relevant and provide the best possible service to our members, the combined DBYD boards came together to consider how to challenge the status quo. While we have a proud history, effective service, and enviable brand, we were challenged by members on our future focus and efficiency. Internally, we also saw opportunity for streamlining the organisation and increasing agility.
As a result, all state and national DBYD entities agreed to transform into a single national organisation known as Before You Dig Australia (BYDA). This transformation delivered higher levels of operational efficiency, with more focused support to members, users and the wider community. Through all the changes, BYDA is committed to leading the industry towards a future where zero damage, zero harm and zero disruption are not just goals, but realities.
