NSW government review to guard against rusty underground services regulations

Two ministers from the NSW government recently issued a call from industry for feedback into a review of corrosion protection regulation.

The Minister for Energy, Paul Lynch, and the Minister for Regulatory Reform, John Hatzistergos, released a paper outlining the issues that will be considered by the review, calling for feedback from industry and the community.

“There are more than $18 billion worth of underground metallic structures in NSW, many that deliver water, gas, electricity and telecommunication services,” said Lynch. “Corrosion-protection systems keep these pipes, cables and buildings safe, operational and rust-free.”

Currently, the government makes sure the systems are operating safely and effectively through an approval process and information register.

Hatzistergos said the review was a chance for the government to talk to industry and users to make sure that NSW has the most effective and efficient approach to managing corrosion protection regulation: “We are seeking feedback on the current framework and also looking to industry for comment on a range of alternative approaches.

“The current arrangements will be reviewed with a view to reducing red tape and regulatory burden. This review shows that the NSW government is committed to red-tape reduction and keeping NSW open for business.”

For a copy of the Issues Paper and details on how to comment, visit www.betterregulation.nsw.gov.au or www.industry.nsw.gov.au/energy. Interested parties have until 13 August 2010 to lodge submissions.