A Friday Note - 11 August 2017

Dear all,

Some warmer weather expected this weekend – enjoy the sunshine.

SAFETY

Rail Safety Week begins next Monday with this year’s theme reinforcing that rail safety is everyone’s responsibility. Key themes include safety messages around level crossings, passenger behaviour and a reminder for road users of the need to share the road with trams, especially when giving way or performing a U-turn. More here.

As of midnight on Thursday, August 10 there had been 54 fatalities on South Australian roads so far this year.

SPEED LIMITS

An interesting suggestion from one of our staff, who noted it can be difficult at times to notice when a speed limit on a road changes, especially in built-up areas where there can be dual lanes, parked cars and pedestrians. His suggestion is to paint speed limits on the road, to remind drivers of the speed they should be travelling.

I’m interested in your thoughts on this, and other ways we can make our roads safer and easier to use.

NEW CAPITAL INITIATIVES DIRECTORATE

The responses following last week’s industry briefing on new capital initiatives program have been positive, with companies coming forward with ideas and expressing enthusiasm to work with us.

To ensure clear focus and accountability for delivery of the new initiatives I have asked Wayne Buckerfield to take on the new role of General Manager, Capital Initiatives. Wayne will work closely across the department and with an independent advisory board to ensure successful outcomes for the community. This includes leveraging the work of the Portfolio Management Office.

Wayne will also look to identify additional alignment opportunities within other areas of the business. This new way of delivering works, along with other initiatives focussing on positioning our services now and into the future, will present exciting opportunities for our people. We’re looking for staff from all levels across the department with the skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this succeed.

DEPARTMENTAL MOVES

With the departure of Wayne from the General Manager Investment Services Role I have asked Brian Roche to take on a General Manager, Procurement and Contracting Role in recognition of the significant role that our modernised procurement and contracting operations have across the organisation. Brian will continue to be supported by his existing management team, including Joseph Glatter in a new role as Director Contracting.

Our Finance and Risk & Assurance sections will be combined under the leadership of Ben Seidel as the A/Director Finance and Risk.

TORRENS RAIL JUNCTION

As part of the Torrens Rail Junction Project, the ConneXion Alliance is delivering new stormwater infrastructure needed on account of the lowered rail lines and grade separation.

A specialist subcontractor is jacking the new stormwater line under the current rail lines, using jacking pipe methodology to install two key sections of a stormwater main running from North Adelaide to the River Torrens.

LAND SERVICES

Land Services SA has been appointed as the service provider for South Australia’s transactional land services. The Government will receive $1.6 billion in an upfront payment and an ongoing royalty stream that can be invested in critical infrastructure and essential services benefitting all South Australians.

NEW ROYAL ADELAIDE HOSPITAL

From early next month, improved public transport options will service the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. These include a free shuttle bus that will run from the old Royal Adelaide Hospital to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, before looping back up Currie and Grenfell Streets. This will run until the tram extension to the East End is completed early next year.

Minister Mullighan also announced a new bus stop on North Terrace, just east of Newmarket Street, and re-routed bus and O-Bahn services to give passengers easier access to the new hospital. For details visit adelaidemetro.com.au.

COMMENDATION

A message of thanks was received from Eastern Fleurieu School for our Programmed Operations team: “You have been so thorough and addressed all my concerns. You have all been extremely helpful and efficient in your responses to my recent (sometimes silly) enquiries.”

VALE JEFF LANE

It is with sadness that we note the passing of Jeff Lane this week. Jeff left DPTI about two years ago and was the Manager, Planning and Design. He had worked for some 40 years with the department and was widely respected by his staff, his peers and his profession. Jeff had served in both the metro and rural areas and played a significant role in the development of South Australia’s road network.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

Thanks to Babu Varatharaju from Asset Management for this week’s Flashback Friday, which is of the tram line along King William Street.

Have a good weekend

Michael Deegan