BYDA DIGITAL UTILITY PORTAL

The BYDA Digital Utility Portal (BDUP) is an industry-led initiative by Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) to modernise how utility information is accessed, shared and used across Australia. 

What is BDUP? 

BDUP is a secure, GIS-enabled digital map that brings together underground and overhead utility asset information in one place. BDUP provides fast access to utility data, allowing users to view all available utilities in one place, and download this data as a GIS or pdf file. The tool supports better project design and early identification of utility-related risks in the planning and design stage of a project. The POC (proof of Concept) was completed in 2025, and the Pilot area will cover Brisbane, WA and Greater Sydney.  

Who is BDUP for? 

BDUP has been developed for users working in the planning and design phase of projects, such as design engineers, planners, geospatial specialists. 

It is not intended for excavation or ground-breaking activities, where the BYDA referral service remains essential for safe work practices to obtain plans and information before digging or excavating.  

Why digital utility data matters  

BYDA’s research shows that damage to underground utilities costs Australia more than $4.6 billion each year, driven in large part by fragmented, outdated approaches to sharing asset location information.  

Evidence shows that providing earlier, clearer visibility of underground assets can significantly reduce risk, improve planning decisions, and lift productivity.  

Current processes rely heavily on static PDF plans which are often difficult to interpret, inconsistent, and poorly suited to early-stage planning and design. Critical information is often hard to visualise, cumulative risk across multiple assets is difficult to assess, and opportunities to redesign or de-risk projects early are missed.  

Digital, map-based utility data such as the BDUP addresses these limitations by providing clearer, more consistent visibility of underground assets earlier in the project lifecycle.  

Get involved 

For planning and design and other users: 

Users can sign up for early testing of the BDUP Pilot in Western Australia, Greater Sydney, and Brisbane. 

BYDA is also looking for users to participate in real-world case studies to test how BDUP supports live projects across different sectors. Reach out to [email protected] if you’d like to get involved. 

For BYDA members (asset owners): 

To bring the BDUP to life, we require asset location information from asset owners – the same data already provided through the BYDA referral service, in GIS format. We need members to commit to sharing that data and, for those in pilot regions, to work with us to get it live on the platform.  

Start by finding out more about the benefits of contribution, the platform’s strong cyber security, and the straightforward steps to get your data in — starting with signing our online Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a non-binding commitment that signals your organisation’s intent to contribute data, then working with the team to get your data live. 

BYDA’s advocacy efforts are grounded in evidence, and focused on practical change to improve safety, reduce damage and inform national reform.

What the evidence shows 

BYDA’s research estimates that utility strikes result in $4.6 billion each year in direct and indirect costs. These costs include service disruptions, repair and reinstatement, project delays, lost productivity, safety incidents, and downstream impacts on communities and businesses.  

Most utility strikes are not caused by isolated mistakes. They are the result of systemic weaknesses across the planning, design, and delivery lifecycle.  

Key contributing factors include:  

• Inconsistent regulation and requirements across jurisdictions  

• Outdated and fragmented utility data, often provided as static PDFs  

• Limited visibility of risk early in planning and design  

• Gaps in skills, training, and risk management capability  

These issues compound under time pressure and complex project environments, increasing the likelihood of damage even when existing processes are followed.  

Three reforms Australia needs: 

BYDA’s economic and policy analysis shows that meaningful reductions in utility strikes require coordinated reform across three areas.  

• Implement Nationally Consistent Legislation for Underground Asset Management  

A national approach to underground asset management could reduce strikes by 7% and save us around $322 million every year. Consistency in regulations would make it easier to plan projects safely and responsibly.  

• Establish Minimum Data Standards and a Digital Asset Register  

By improving data standards and having a comprehensive digital register, we’d reduce accidental strikes and increase public infrastructure efficiency. This change alone could cut strikes by 17%, saving $782 million annually.  

• Uplift Skills and Capabilities in Utility Risk Management  

More than 3,000 utility strikes occur each year due to insufficient training and awareness. Mandatory risk management training for workers on the ground could reduce strikes by 8%, leading to $368 million in savings each year.  

BYDA Publications 

Read the latest research and reports to access insights and understand the reforms needed to reduce damage and risk.  

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Our impact 

BYDA’s advocacy is informed by national evidence and strengthened through collaboration. We work with asset owners, industry, government, and research partners to ensure reform proposals are practical, credible, and grounded in real-world experience.  

Our research and reform agenda has helped shape understanding of utility damage as a national safety and productivity issue. Through data, analysis, and pilots, we have supported more informed decision-making across industry and government.  

This impact includes:  

• Establishing the first national estimate of the economic cost of utility strikes  

• Providing evidence to support regulatory, policy, and standards discussions  

• Demonstrating the safety and productivity benefits of digital utility data  

Media and public commentary  

BYDA contributes to public discussion on utility safety, infrastructure delivery, and digital reform through selected media and industry publications. Explore the evidence and insights informing national utility safety reform. 

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Working together 

BYDA’s advocacy is ongoing and collaborative. We welcome engagement from organisations and individuals interested in improving utility safety, reducing risk, and supporting nationally scalable reform. 

Submit an advocacy enquiry to the BYDA team 

Become a BYDA Member to support national safety outcomes 

BYDA is committed to turning evidence into action, supporting a future of zero damage, zero harm, and zero disruption.