This document presents an extended summary of recent investigations into soft rot attack of preservative treated power poles from the re-inspection of samples selected from two field sites and two in-service trials located in New South Wales, Australia. The in-ground sapwood of selected poles was assessed by probing and, after core sampling, by microscopy to determine the severity and extent of soft rot attack. Data obtained during these assessments were compared with data from similar inspections that occurred approximately 10-15 years previously. The findings are discussed in relation to the influence of wood species, preservative type, location, inspection and remedial treatment practices on the rate of soft rot degrade. Additional comments are made regarding the effectiveness of conventional methodologies for assessing soft rot.

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