A Friday Note - 12 August 2016

Dear all

Safety is a constant challenge and one we must always strive to address, whether it’s in our workplace or in our home.

As was highlighted by an accident involving a traffic controller last week, one of the biggest risks faced by our department and industry is traffic around work sites. One measure to reduce that risk is the recent purchase of portable traffic lights. The battery-operated devices are much simpler to set up and can operate for longer periods delivering a safer, cost-effective solution.

Our crews report it is one of the best purchases the department has made in relation to safety.

DEVELOPMENT

The importance of a safe road network was in focus at the Senior Management Council held in the Murraylands region this week. The need for DPTI to continue to facilitate development wherever possible also featured, particularly with a bias for yes. There are some tremendous stories throughout the region including the Beston Cheese factory, the Adelaide Mushroom facility and the Big W distribution centre where several hundred people are employed. The Tailem Bend Motorsport Park development was another talking point, as it will bring much needed tourism to the district.

I also attended the induction day for graduates working in our engineering and risk and assurance areas. It is great to see the gender balance improving and new staff embracing DPTI’s values and behaviours.

Planning reform in South Australia was showcased in a terrific presentation at the Portfolio Management Committee. This is game-changing work which will radically transform planning systems in this state.

I also caught up with staff from road and marine assets this week and would like to acknowledge them for their thoughtful and positive questioning and approach to the way forward.

EXCELLENCE

DPTI’s rail maintenance team has taken out the Permanent Way Institute (PWI) Trackwork achievement award for re-sleepering Port River Bridge. It is fantastic industry recognition of a challenging and time-constrained piece of work.

Well done to the team at Morgan Dockyard and other staff for successfully replacing the aged timber hull ferry at Tailem Bend with the ex-Narrung steel hull vessel. It means the 12 tonne weight restriction there no longer applies, delivering benefits to local communities.

ESTIMATES

The Parliamentary Estimates Committee sat between 28 July and 3 August, giving MPs the opportunity to examine aspects of the Budget in more detail. A big thank you to all staff who contributed to the briefings.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Special collection tins have been placed at the security desk at both Roma Mitchell House and Grenfell St to support the wonderful work of the Hutt St Centre which helps South Australia’s homeless. Please give generously to those in need.

RIO

Incredible effort by our Aussies so far at the Rio Olympics, including local lad and SASI swim star Kyle Chalmers who scored gold in the men’s 100m freestyle yesterday, adding to his bronze in the 4x100m freestyle relay. We look forward to celebrating more success over the next week.

Have a good weekend

Paul Gelston