BYDA Utility Safety Conference 2026: Connected, Protected, Respected
BYDA proudly hosted the inaugural Utility Safety Conference 2026, bringing together leaders from across Australia’s utilities, construction, engineering and safety sectors to advance the national conversation on underground asset protection.
Held in Melbourne, the two-day event reinforced BYDA’s role as a national leader in utility safety and collaboration, creating a platform for industry, government and regulators to come together and address one of the most critical risks facing infrastructure delivery today: utility strikes.
With more than 250 industry professionals in attendance, the conference showcased the collective expertise, innovation and leadership needed to strengthen how Australia manages underground infrastructure safety.
The event demonstrated the power of collaboration when industry leaders unite around a shared goal—protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding workers and ensuring reliable essential services for communities across Australia.
Government Recognition of Industry Leadership
The conference was opened by Federal Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Dr Daniel Mulino, who acknowledged the important role BYDA plays in supporting safer infrastructure delivery across Australia.
In his opening address, Dr Mulino highlighted the significance of BYDA’s latest research into the economic and safety impacts of utility strikes and recognised the value of industry-led collaboration in strengthening national infrastructure safety.
Launching Ground breaking Industry Research
A major milestone of the conference was the launch of BYDA’s latest research paper:
Australia’s Underground Utility Safety Reckoning
Commissioned by BYDA, the report provides one of the most comprehensive examinations of utility strike risk in Australia. It highlights the scale of the challenge and identifies opportunities for industry, regulators and government to strengthen the national utility safety framework.
By commissioning and sharing this research, BYDA continues to demonstrate leadership in driving evidence-based improvements across the sector.
Strong Industry Engagement
The conference sold out with more than 250 delegates from across the utility, construction, engineering and locating sectors, reflecting strong industry support for BYDA’s leadership in advancing underground asset protection.
Delegates valued the opportunity to:
- Hear directly from leading industry experts and innovators
- Share practical lessons from real-world projects
- Explore technologies supporting safer excavation practices
- Build stronger connections across the utility safety ecosystem
These discussions reinforced a shared ambition across the industry: zero damage, zero harm and zero disruption to Australia’s essential service networks.
BYDA thanks all attendees who contributed their insights and expertise to making this inaugural event such a success.
View the Conference Gallery
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The BYDA Utility Safety Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors.
Their commitment to industry safety and collaboration helped deliver a high-quality program and foster valuable discussion across the two-day event.
BYDA extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors for their partnership and support.
Major Event Partner
Conference Sponsors
Continuing to Lead Utility Safety in Australia
The BYDA Utility Safety Conference represents an important step in strengthening Australia’s national approach to underground asset protection.
BYDA remains committed to leading the conversation, connecting stakeholders and driving innovation that improves safety outcomes across the industry.
The discussions and partnerships formed during the conference will continue to inform future initiatives as BYDA works with industry, government and regulators to build a safer and more resilient infrastructure environment.