Written by William Rowlands (Gap Explosive Ordnance Detection Pty Ltd)
What has been the highlight of your Branch/SIG this year?
The ALGA UXO SIG has made significant progress this year. A key achievement is the development of a Voluntary Code of Practice (VCoP) for Off-Estate UXO Works. The group is currently finalising the committee’s comments before presenting 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.
Members also participated in the December ALGA webinar, which received positive feedback. The event provided a platform to share the SIG’s work, promote industry discussion, and highlight best practices in UXO management.
Additionally, the UXO SIG supported international efforts by working with the Ukrainian Community of Queensland and the International Action Alliance to raise funds for demining and environmental recovery in Ukraine. Dr. Stephen Billings delivered a presentation on UXO contamination on behalf of the SIG, emphasizing the importance of addressing UXO issues globally.
Overall, the year has seen strong progress and engagement. The group is well-positioned to continue its work in advancing UXO practices, sharing knowledge, and supporting its members in the future.
What are you most excited about in the new financial year (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026)
In the coming year, the UXO SIG will focus on finalising and successfully implementing the Voluntary Code of Practice (VCoP) for Off-Estate UXO Works. This will involve completing any remaining feedback, refining the document, and supporting its adoption across industry stakeholders to enhance safety and consistency across UXO operations off the Defence Estate.
A key part of the plan is to hold a second symposium, which is intended to become a regular biennial event. This will provide a platform for members and industry professionals to share updates, discuss challenges, and showcase new developments in UXO management, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
The SIG also aims to maintain strong engagement with industry partners both in Australia and nearby regions, ensuring the exchange of knowledge and best practices continues to support growth and innovation in the field.