SA Power Networks/ Local Government Association Vegetation
Management Working Group
Terms of Reference
PURPOSE
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To develop a strategy for vegetation management around powerlines which best addresses
community and aesthetic expectations of Councils, while allowing SA Power Networks to meet
its legislative and liability obligations and at a cost customers consider acceptable.
OBJECTIVES OF WORKING GROUP
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To develop a long-term vegetation management strategy that creates a more sustainable
environment that minimises the need for tree trimming over time.
To develop a protocol for vegetation clearance that considers factors such as more frequent
trimming cycles, agreements with Councils, consultation and communication, and scoping
parameters.
To discuss current issues associated with vegetation management and explore opportunities for
partnerships in programs or initiatives.
To seek an amendment to the bushfire area boundaries in the Regulations to review the existing
classifications and expand the risk-based approach to non bushfire risk areas and rural
townships.
To explore opportunities for appropriate changes to the legislation and other formal regimes to
better balance risk and aesthetic considerations and to develop strategies to seek stakeholder
endorsement of those changes.
MEMBERSHIP
The Working Group will comprise:
SA Power Networks
- Sue Filby, General Manager Customer Relations (Chair)
- Steve Wachtel, Manager Network Asset Management
- Kerry Rawson, Manager Vegetation
- Alex Lewis, Vegetation Strategy Lead
Local Government Association
- David Hitchcock, Director Infrastructure
- Bethany Loates, Policy Officer – Environment and Infrastructure
Representatives from the following Member Councils
- Joel Ashforth, Coordinator Horticultural & Arboricultural Services, City of Norwood
Payneham St Peters
- Dean Ottanelli, City of West Torrens
- Glenn Dean, Rural City of Murray Bridge
- Anita Crisp, Executive Officer, Central Region of Councils
- If unable to attend Member Councils may nominate another representative from their
Council to attend.
Internal Use Only
Internal or external persons may be invited to attend meetings at the request of the Working Group
to provide advice and assistance.
TERM OF WORKING GROUP
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The Working Group will commence on 18 November 2013 and will continue until June 2015,
unless terminated by agreement between the parties.
The ongoing role and function of the Working Group will be reviewed prior to June 2015.
MEETINGS
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Meetings will be chaired by Sue Filby (SA Power Networks). David Hitchcock (LGA) will chair
meetings in Sue’s absence.
Minutes and agendas will be provided by Alex Lewis, including all supporting papers and
information.
The Working Group will meet bi-monthly from November 2013 till June 2015.
Meetings will be held at the Local Government Association.
KEY DELIVERABLES
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An agreed protocol on vegetation clearance around powerlines and a strategy for working with
local government to present to Councils.
The core of a vegetation management submission to the Australian Energy Regulator for the
2015-2020 regulatory period supported by the LGA.
A submission to the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) for legislative change including
bushfire area boundary reviews and classifications and extension of the risk based approach to
non-bushfire risk areas and rural townships.
Internal Use Only