1. SA Power Networks Strategic Vegetation Management Alexandra Lewis, Vegetation Strategy Lead LGA Roads and Works Conference – 28 August 2014

2. 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 today Inspect 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

3. 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

4. Proposed Vegetation Management Strategy Key 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 funding approval from the Australian Energy Regulator

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Any questions or feedback?