Strategic Vegetation Management
-
Upload
ila-barrett -
Category
Documents
-
view
48 -
download
0
description
Transcript of Strategic Vegetation Management
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?