SA Power Networks

Strategic Vegetation ManagementAlexandra Lewis, Vegetation Strategy LeadLGA Roads and Works Conference – 28 August 2014

Current approach to trees & powerlines

• Why do we cut?– Mitigate bushfire risk– Ensure public and infrastructure safety– Maintain reliability – Asset integrity and maintenance

• What we do todayInspect and/or trim trees as per the provisions of the Electricity Act & the

Electricity (Principles of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations – Comply with legislative obligations – Annual cycle in bushfire risk areas– Cyclic program of not more than 3 years in non-bushfire risk areas

• Cutting outcomes – Legislated ‘Clearance Zones’ determine extent and nature of cutting– Regulations define areas as bushfire/ non-bushfire risk areas

Vision • Develop a long-term plan for vegetation management that creates a

sustainable environment that minimises the need for tree trimming over time

• Move away from ‘one size fits’ all approach to a range of approaches that suit different regions or environments and aligns with risk

• Community and Council engagement

• Collaborative partnerships and programs

• Public education and awareness

• Sustainability – tree removal or planting the right trees, positive net impact on the environment

• Continue to meet our relevant obligations to protect the community and maintain reliability

Proposed Vegetation Management StrategyKey Components of the Vegetation Management Strategy are:

• Effective Stakeholder Engagement

• Tree removal and replacement program

• Quality of vegetation clearance

• Establish protocols for vegetation management

• Changes to Regulations

• Improve data on vegetation near powerlines

Implementation of the Plan as proposed is dependent on fundingapproval from the Australian Energy Regulator

Effective Stakeholder Engagement• Established LGA/Council Working Group

• Strategic vegetation management workshops –1 October 2013 and 19 March 2014

• Stakeholder Engagement Activities eg local government forum, face to face meetings, presentations

• Directions for Vegetation Management Discussion Paper – Council feedback (26/4 – 6/6), LGA endorsed at June meeting

• Willingness to Pay research

• Arborist Reference Group

• Public Education Program

Tree Removal and Replacement Program

• Focus on habitat creation

• Remove 2.5% of inappropriate trees in consultation with Councils and landowners

• Sapling removal program – reduce cost, visual impact

• Replace with appropriate species

• Species specific programs eg fast growing species

• Staged removal/ replacement programs

• Pilot programs and tree removal trials eg Riverton, Mount Barker

Tree Removal and Replacement Trial• Echunga trial – June 2014

– Partnership with Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board and Mount Barker Council

– Clear 28 spans at 4 sites– Reduce fuel load, eliminate roadside vegetation, remove weed trees – High levels of NCR, vegetation hotspot in terms of interruptions (>2 pa)– Community engagement

Quality of Vegetation Clearance

• Pruning techniques to improve visual outcome and maintain tree health – Trimming cycles and more frequent trimming– Pre-emptive/ formative pruning – Councils undertake to shape trees and

improve visual outcome long term – Cutting practices and cycles – species specific to optimise results – Trial of more advanced trimming practices – understand cost, community

response

• Engage up to 6 arborists to provide ongoing advice on cutting approach / techniques

• Auditing quality of cutting by contractors

Protocols for Vegetation Management

• Agreement with Councils – expectations/ requirements

• Notification, consultation and communication – sufficient notice to enable Council/ community input

• Pruning cycles and timing

• Alternatives to vegetation clearance

• Arborists’ input

• Continuous review and update

Other vegetation management initiatives

• Appropriate Species List– Recognises regional differences eg low rainfall areas – Botanic Gardens Interactive Plant Selector Tool

http://webservices.lga.sa.gov.au/login.php

• Community education and information – Educational material – Online information– Landowner consultation

• Partnerships – NRM Boards– Research/ educational institutions – Working with the Native Vegetation Council – offsets strategy

Changes to Regulations

• Propose number of amendments to Office of the Technical Regulator including:

– Expanding the risk-based approach to non-bushfire risk areas/ rural townships and low voltage clearances

– Review bushfire/ non bushfire area boundaries and reclassifying certain built up rural towns as non-bushfire risk areas

– Permitting the removal of trees/ saplings outside the Buffer Zone but beneath the Clearance Zone

– Reviewing span clearance zone based on swing and sag of conductor

Reset Submission to Australian Energy Regulator (2015-2020)• Funding provided to SA Power Networks based on regulatory

periods

• Submission likely to include:– Base cut– Tree removal/ replacement program (BFRA/ NBFRA) – Trials, arborists– Community and stakeholder engagement – Data capture/ management

• Implementation of initiatives relies on funding approval from Australian Energy Regulator

Any questions or feedback?