In October 1989, a Technical Sub Committee of the Water Resources Council conducted a two-day seminar on Trenchless Technology in Perth, Western Australia. Despite a National air strike at the time, the seminar attracted some 160 delegates from all the Australian States. A panel discussion with delegates at the end of the seminar agreed that an Australian Society should be formed.

The Society was to become established independent of the Institution of Engineers, the Australian Underground and Construction Tunnelling Association (AUCTA) and the Australian Water and Wastewater Association (AWWA). All of these organisations had an interest in Trenchless Technology but because of its specialised nature, it was considered that the Society should stand alone.

The Australian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT) was formed in 1991and was Affiliated with the International Society for Trenchless Technology, (ISTT) 

ASTT became Incorporated (Registered Number 1001093) in Perth, Western Australia on 11 March 1991.

On the 28th day of June, 1994, the name of the Society was changed from Australian to the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology thus enabling membership to include those living in New Zealand. The change meant that the ASTT logo had to be amended to reflect New Zealand joining.

The international surge in the development and application of trenchless technology over the past decade continues to be reflected in Australia. Despite Australian remoteness, geographic spread and comparatively small population, the potential of the technology is being realised by an ever-growing number of progressive utilities, private organisations, contractors and consultants.

Any service industry, anywhere in the World is realising the need to become increasingly competitive. In Australia, the Council of Australian Governments has delivered an agenda which has driven a broad range of microeconomic reforms and institutional changes. Corporatisation, privatisation and the consequential restructuring in the electricity, water, gas and telecommunications industries has changed the very face of these service organisations. As a consequence, we now see a competitive, customer focussed, environmentally aware, and adaptable approach to the traditional business of installing and maintaining services.

This is where trenchless technology has a unique application. 

Visit the ISTT website to find out about the Society family.