By William Rowland, UXO SIG
The purpose of the ALGA UXO SIG is to strengthen the UXO industry and provide a forum to address the unique needs and aims of the industry nationally and internationally for the benefit of the community of practice. The ALGA UXO SIG has achieved a milestone this year with the development of a Voluntary Code of Practice (VCoP) for Off-Estate UXO Works. The plan for 2026 is to present VCoP to state working groups and industry stakeholders. This collaborative effort aims to enhance best practices, safety and consistency across UXO operations off the Defence Estate.
VCOP Executive Summary
This Voluntary Code of Practice (VCoP) sets out nationally agreed best practices for the Australian Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) industry. Developed by a working group of experienced practitioners under the auspices of the Australasian Land and Groundwater Association (ALGA) and its UXO Special Interest Group (SIG), the VCoP aims to promote consistent, competent, and safe practices across UXO-related activities, whether on Defence land, private property, or in coastal waters. Members of the ALGA UXO SIG can be found on the ALGA website.
The VCoP complements, but does not replace, the Defence UXO Management Manual (DUXOMM). It recognises and adopts DUXOMM content as best practice where appropriate and provides practical implementation strategies tailored to Defence, civilian, and commercial contexts.
The document provides structured guidance across the core areas:
- Risk and project management for UXO operations
- Roles and responsibilities between Defence and industry
- Qualifications and capability requirements for UXO personnel
- Remediation, clearance, and environmental safety standards
- Procedures for managing explosive ordnance materiel (EOM)
- Guidance for firefighting in UXO-affected areas
- Additional content addressing underwater UXO operations, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
The VCoP is reviewed regularly to ensure alignment with Commonwealth policy, community expectations, and emerging operational requirements.
Importantly, this is a voluntary code. While it carries no legal mandate, it represents the collective commitment of the Australian UXO industry, through the ALGA UXO SIG, to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and integrity. It is intended as a reference for UXO contractors, landholders, regulators, and government agencies engaged in UXO-related activities nationwide.
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