OFFICE OF THE TECHNICAL REGULATOR
11 Waymouth Street, Adelaide
GPO Box 320, Adelaide SA 5000
www.energymining.sa.gov.au
Contact phone number: 08 8226 5500 (R.Faunt)
Contact email: DEM.PLEC@sa.gov.au
ISSN: 26527553
Date presented to Minister: 29 September 2023
To:
Honourable Tom Koutsantonis MP Minister for Energy and Mining
This annual report will be presented to Parliament to meet the statutory reporting requirements of Electricity Act 1996 (Sec 14), Public Sector Act 2009 and the requirements of Premier and Cabinet Circular PC013 Annual Reporting.
This report is verified to be accurate for the purposes of annual reporting to the Parliament of South Australia.
Submitted on behalf of the OFFICE OF THE TECHNICAL REGULATOR by:
Rob Faunt
Technical Regulator
Date 29 September 2023
From the Chairperson
I am pleased to provide the attached Annual Report of the Power Line Environment Committee’s (PLEC) operation for the 2022-2023 financial year as required under the Charter of PLEC and Section 14 of the Electricity Act 1996.
In 2011, the Energy Minister delegated the powers and functions under section 58A of the Electricity Act 1996 (the Act) to the Technical Regulator, who is responsible for exercising those related functions and powers under the Act associated with the undergrounding of power lines.
In accordance with the above delegation, the PLEC recommended to the Technical Regulator for approval a program of 12 projects to underground power lines. Those projects were forecast for commencement during the 2022-2023 financial year, as determined by the forward-looking program set out in the PLEC Charter.
Approved 2022-2023 PLEC undergrounding program
First half of 2022-2023
| PROJECT LOCATION | COUNCIL/ PROPONENT | MEETING - ITEM | PLEC FUNDING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margaret Street, Mount Gambier, Stage 1B | Mount Gambier | M283 Item 6.1 | $ 551,714 |
| Orroroo, Second Street, Stage 1B (Cancelled) | Orroroo Carrieton | M283 Item 6.2 | $ 37,860 |
| Port Adelaide, Commercial Road | Port Adelaide Enfield | M283 Item 6.3 | $ 739,297 |
| Robe, Esplanade, Stage 1 | Robe | M283 Item 6.4 | $ 316,802 |
| Pinnaroo, Railway Terrace, Stage 1 | Southern Mallee | M283 Item 6.5 | $ 441,679 |
| Manoora, Weymouth Street | Clare and Gilbert Valleys | M283 Item 6.6 | $ 73,796 |
| Adjusted Orroroo, Second Street, Stage 1B: $676,472-$638,612 = $37,860 (LTD) | TOTAL | $2,161,148 | |
Second half of 2022-2023
| PROJECT LOCATION | COUNCIL/ PROPONENT | MEETING - ITEM | PLEC FUNDING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinnaroo, Railway Terrace, Stage 1B | Southern Mallee | M287 Item 7.1 | $ 149,657 |
| Jamestown, Ayr Street, Stage 1A | Northern Areas | M287 Item 7.2 | $ 1,435,215 |
| Moonta Bay, Stage 3 | Copper Coast | M287 Item 7.3 | $ 1,601,567 |
| Moonta Bay, Stage 4 | Copper Coast | M287 Item 7.4 | $ 964,991 |
| Moonta Bay, Stage 5A | Copper Coast | M287 Item 7.5 | $ 799,597 |
| Lameroo, Railway Terrace, Stage 1 | Copper Coast | M287 Item 7.6 | $ 567,608 |
| TOTAL | $5,518,635 |
The following projects have been completed during the year:
- Allawoona Avenue, Mitchell Park.
- Church Street, Port Adelaide.
- Commercial Road, Port Adelaide.
- Lower Northeast Road, Campbelltown (construction only).
- Margaret Street, Mount Gambier.
- Military Road, Henley Beach.
- Weymouth Street (Manoora Hall), Manoora.
Several projects were in construction at the end of the 2022-2023 financial year, namely:
- Moonta, Moonta Bay Road, Stage 1 & 2.
- Esplanade, Robe Stage 1.
Several projects have been delayed or cancelled, namely:
- Moonta, Moonta Bay Road, Stage 3, 4 & 5A are delayed with works to commence on Stage 3 in Q4 of 2023. The remaining stages 4 and 5A to commence following the competition of Stage 3.
- Esplanade, Robe Stage 1. The remainder of works will be completed in early September 2023.
- Orroroo, Second Street Stage 1A & 1B – cancelled.
- Pinnaroo, Railway Terrace Stage 1 & 1B – cancelled.
- Lameroo, Railway Terrace Stage 1 – cancelled.
During 2022-2023 PLEC’s call for expressions of interest was warmly and positively received by urban and regional councils. PLEC maintains it’s clear focus on assisting local government with initiatives to enhance the aesthetics of a location by undergrounding power lines.
The year saw considerable changes to the PLEC membership and support structure. I am very pleased to extend a warm welcome to a membership combining both youth and experience.
New members
- Chris Dunn (LGA) appointed.
- Teresa Xavier (DIT) appointed.
- Adam Stanford (Tourism).
- Steve Murray (Community and new chairperson) appointed.
Continuing members:
- Charles Donovan (SAPN).
To our retired or departing members, I offer my sincere thanks for their service to PLEC during the 2022-2023 year. Those members include:
- Kim Steinle (former Chair).
- Kathryn Galpin (Tourism).
- Margaret Lee (Conservation).
- Peter Khoury (Community & Deputy Chair).
- Andrew Burnell (DEW).
I wish to thank the executive and administrative support team for keeping things in train and on time, particularly through some of our most challenging of times with COVID-19:
- Reinhard Struve (DEM).
- Loan Vu (DEM).
- Ian Furness (DEM).
- Antonia Tolo (DEM).
From the Committee
Special thanks to a few long serving members that retired or departed PLEC in 2023:
Kim Steinle retired from his position as PLEC Chair and from the Committee in May 2023. Kim held the position of PLEC Chair for approximately seven years. He was appointed to the current Committee in 2017 as a Community Representative and continued in that portfolio after being appointed Chairperson of the Committee in 2020.
Margaret Lee joined in 1996 and retired after 27 years’ service on PLEC in March 2023 as the Conservation representative. Margaret had countless meetings with many PLEC stakeholders to ensure the prudent selection of projects, and the offering of advice that would contribute to a better outcome for the wider community.
Peter Khoury retired from his position as Deputy Chair and Community representative from the Committee in March 2023.
Andrew Burnell retired from his position as DEW representative from the Committee in May 2023 after three years of service on PLEC.
The Committee thank Kim, Margaret, Peter and Andrew enormously for their contribution to PLEC over so many years and wish them a safe, happy, and healthy future.
PLEC is grateful for the continued support of the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA), SA Power Networks, Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Telstra, NBN and the other communications companies, the local councils and the Technical Regulator for their continued effort to achieve quality outcomes in a timely manner.
PLEC projects continue to create heathier, stronger communities by enhancing streetscapes and the heritage fabric. PLEC projects encourage the economic activity of tourism and jobs.
Yours sincerely
Steve Murray
Chair
Power Line Environment Committee
Contents
Committee specific objectives and performance
Financial performance at a glance
2022-2023: PLEC projects recommended and approved
Funding and location over the long-term
Fraud detected in the committee
Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud
Reporting required under any other act or regulation
Number of public complaints reported
Appendix 1: Audited financial statements 2022-2023
Appendix 2: Completed Project Photos
Overview: about the committee
Our strategic focus
| Our Purpose |
The Power Line Environment Committee (PLEC) recommends to the minister responsible for the Electricity Act 1996 (the Act) in relation to the preparation of programs for undergrounding powerline work pursuant to section 58A of the Act and Electricity (General) Regulations 2012.
PLEC also provides advice to the Minister for Energy and Mining on administration, safety and technical matters for projects related to the undergrounding of electricity power lines. SA Power Networks carries out this work of program. The purpose of undergrounding work that is the subject of these programs is to improve the aesthetics of an area for the benefit of the general community having regard to road safety and the provisions for electrical safety. The Committee is responsible for monitoring the progress and costs of undergrounding work. SA Power Networks carries out this work on behalf of PLEC. |
| Our Vision |
To enhance, improve safety and provide energy access for the benefit and enjoyment of the community, businesses, and visitors to South Australia.
Each year, PLEC endeavours to deliver a balanced number of undergrounding of powerline projects between metropolitan and regional locations. |
| Our Values | Respect; achieve; quality; honesty and accountability; success and collaboration. |
| Our functions, objectives and deliverables |
|
Our organisational structure
PLEC was established by the Government of South Australian in 1990. PLEC recommends to the minister responsible for the Electricity Act 1996 (the Act) in relation to the preparation of programs for undergrounding powerline work pursuant to section 58A of the Act and the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012.
PLEC also provides advice to the minister on administration, safety and technical matters for projects related to the undergrounding of electricity power lines. SA Power Networks carries out this work of program.
The Committee consists of an executive team with administrative support and eight members from relevant organisations and areas of community interest who are appointed for a period of up to three years.
PLEC projects are funded by a contribution of two dollars from SA Power Networks for each dollar contributed by councils or other eligible proponents. ESCOSA and OTR funds the administration support for our executive officer and provides meeting rooms.
Since 2011, the minister delegated the powers and functions under section 58A of the Act to the Technical Regulator, who is responsible for exercising those related functions and powers under the Act associated with the undergrounding of power lines.
The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) and the Essential Services Commission of South Australia’s (ESCOSA) website (see ESCOSA - Power Line Environment Committee resources) contains further information on the PLEC, including its charter and annual report on the activities of PLEC.
Committee appointments: Chris Dunn joined PLEC in July 2022 to replace Klinton Devenish representing the Local Government Association. Teresa Xavier joined PLEC in August 2022 to replace Kerry McConnell representing the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. Adam Stanford joined PLEC in December 2022 as alternate member for Tourism whilst Kathryn Galpin was on extended leave. Steve Murray joined PLEC in May 2023 as new Chair and representing Community.
PLEC Members:
Steve Murray
Community Representative & Chair
Loan Vu
PLEC Executive Officer
Teresa Xavier
Department for Infrastructure & Transport Representative
Chris Dunn
Local Government Representative
Peter Khoury
Community Representative & Deputy Chair
Charles Donovan
SA Power Networks Representative
Margret Lee
Conservation Representative
Kathryn Galpin
South Australia Tourism Representative
Andrew Burnell
Department for Environment & Water Representative
Kim Steinle
Community Representative & Former Chair
Adam Stanford
South Australia Tourism Representative
Composition of PLEC
All Committee membership and sitting fee payments are reported to the Department of Premier and Cabinets (DPC) Boards and Committees Information System (BCIS) annually.
PLEC membership summary 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023
| Name | Position | Renumeration fee/salary ($ per annum) | Appointment/ expiry date | Organisation/ representative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Murray | Chair Member | 4,840 | 01/05/2023 to 30/04/2026 | Community |
| Kim Steinle | Chair Member | 4,840 |
15/12/2021 to 04/03/2023 Resigned: 30/05/2023 | Community |
| Peter Khoury |
Deputy Chair Member | 2,110 |
15/12/2021 to 04/03/2023 Resigned: 04/03/2023 | Community |
| Charles Donovan | Member | 2,110 | 04/03/2023 to 04/03/2026 | SA Power Network (for Network Licensee) |
| Margaret Lee | Member | 2,110 |
05/03/2020 to 04/03/2023 Resigned: 04/03/2023 | Conservation |
| Chris Dunn | Member | 2,110 | 14/07/2022 to 14/07/2025 | Local Government Association |
|
*Kathryn Galpin (extended leave) | Member | N/A | 15/06/2022 to 14/06/2025 | SA Tourism Industry |
| *Adam Standford |
Alternate Member | N/A | 02/12/2022 to 02/12/2025 | SA Tourism Industry |
| *Andrew Burnell | Member | N/A |
28/08/2019 to 15/08/2022 Resigned: 28/05/2023 | Department for Environment & Water |
| *Teresa Xavier | Member | N/A | 16/08/2022 to 16/08/2023 | Department for Infrastructure and Transport |
| Foot note: *In accordance with the Premier and Cabinet Circular No.16 government employees did not receive any renumeration for committee duties during the reporting period. | ||||
Changes to the agency
During 2022-2023 there was no changes to the agency’s structure and objectives.
Our Minister
Tom has been the Member of Parliament for the seat of West Torrens since 1997 and is currently Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Energy and Mining and the Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly.
Tom previously held ministerial appointments for Transport and Infrastructure between 2013 and 2014 and Mineral Resources and Energy between 2011 and 2018. He was also responsible for these portfolios in the Shadow Ministry between 2018 and 2022.
The committees performance
Performance at a glance
The OTR provided an executive team and secretarial services to the committee and funded the operation of PLEC, including member remuneration and annual report costs.
Committee specific objectives and performance
| Objectives | Indicators | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Enable access to lower energy costs for businesses and households by facilitating a clean, secure, reliable, safe and more competitive energy network. |
Empower community and consumers through expanded demand management options and better integration of distributed energy resources.
Support state significant economic transformations.
The Committee operates under a Charter, which provides scope of PLEC activities, its composition, financial arrangements, reporting requirements and associated administrative processes. |
PLEC funded $7,679,783 towards undergrounding of power line projects.
PLEC assessed and recommended ten projects to underground powerlines for construction in the forward financial year 2022-2023.
PLEC meets once a month to review project submissions. The submission process is divided into two six-monthly cycles.
Achieved - PLEC commenced review of the Charter and guideline documents including the development of application form for applicants to seek funding from PLEC.
Achieved - PLEC prepared annual report and briefings to inform the Minister. |
Financial performance
Financial performance at a glance
The following is a brief summary of the overall financial position of the committee. The information is unaudited.
Statement of financial position as of 30 June 2023
| Description | Notes | 2022-23 |
|---|---|---|
| Administration fees | Members fees | 10,058 |
| Administered items | Accommodation | 0 |
| Travel related expenses | 0 | |
| Salaries | 85,375 | |
| Other sundries | 0 | |
| Total revenue from PLEC activity and administration fees | 95,433 |
The following is a brief summary of the overall financial position of the agency. The information is unaudited. Full audited financial statements for 2022-2023 are attached to this report at Appendix 1.
| Statement of Comprehensive Income | 2022-23 Budget $000s | 2022-23 Actual $000s | Variation $000s | Past year 2021-22 Actual $000s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Income | 131 | 131 | 0 | 13 |
| Total Expenses | 131 | 96 | 35 | 13 |
| Net Result | 0 | 35 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Comprehensive Result | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Consultants disclosure
No consultants were engaged during this financial year for PLEC.
Data for previous year is available on the 2021-2022 PLEC Annual Report. See also the Consolidated Financial Report of the Department of Treasury and Finance for total value of consultancy contracts across the South Australian Public Sector.
Contractors disclosure
The following is a summary of external contractors that have been engaged by PLEC, the nature of work undertaken, and the actual payments made for work undertaken during the financial year.
Contractors with a contract value below $10,000
| Contractors | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
|---|---|---|
| Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd | Project construction | 10,980 |
| Tmk Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd | Project construction | 8,190 |
| Terrabear Pty Ltd | Project construction | 7,500 |
| Ks Talbot Pty Ltd | Project construction | 930 |
| David Mariuz & Victoria Bowes | Project construction | 420 |
| Total | $28,020 |
Contractors with a contract value above $10,000 each
| Contractors | Purpose | $ Actual payment |
|---|---|---|
| Electel Resources Pty Ltd | Project construction | 1,130,987 |
| Noone Nominees Pty Ltd | Project construction | 590,189 |
| Tron Civil Contracting Pty Ltd | Project construction | 421,920 |
| Rawsons Electrical Pty Ltd | Project construction | 348,935 |
| Communication & Distribution | Project construction | 209,224 |
| Equipped Civil Pty Ltd | Project construction | 196,808 |
| Walker And Gray Earthworx Pty Limit | Project construction | 176,363 |
| Managed Construction Solutions Pty | Project construction | 77,070 |
| Bardell Excavations Pty Ltd | Project construction | 32,740 |
| Wgasa Pty Ltd | Project construction | 21,260 |
| Total | 3,205,496 |
Data for previous years is available on the 2021-2022 PLEC Annual Report.
The details of South Australian government-awarded contracts for goods, services, and works are displayed on the SA Tenders and Contracts website. View the agency list of contracts.
The website also provides details of across government contracts.
Other financial information
The prescribed PLEC funding budget for 2022-2023 is $7,679,783 (in accordance with Regulation 44 of the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012). The prescribed net actual expenditure for 2022-2023 is $6,273,543 which is an underspent of 18 % (or $1,406,204). This underspent has offset the overspent in the previous financial year to bring PLEC’s expenditure average closer to the prescribed budget.
Other information
Projects overview
The Committee recommends to the Minister for Energy and Mining projects related to the undergrounding of electricity power lines (in accordance with the Electricity Act 1996 and Electricity (General) Regulations 2012).
Each financial year the minister determines an amount (or as prescribed by regulation) for the undergrounding of powerlines program. The prescribed level of funding for PLEC projects for the forward 2022-2023 financial year has been determined to be $7,679,783.
Councils may apply to seek contribution of PLEC funding for project proposals that are for the undergrounding of powerlines and meet PLEC guideline criteria.
The purpose of undergrounding work that is the subject of these programs is to improve the aesthetics of an area for the benefit of the general community having regard to road safety and the provisions for electrical safety pursuant to the Electricity Act 1996. The Committee is responsible for monitoring the progress and costs of undergrounding work. SA Power Networks carries out this work.
Each year, the Committee endeavours to deliver a balanced number of projects (50:50) between metropolitan and regional locations.
Below is a diagram showing the funding approved for 2023-2024 underground program:
2022-2023: PLEC projects recommended and approved
The PLEC recommended twelve projects for funding approval during 2022-2023. The projects, tabled below, will result in undergrounding of power lines.
The Office of the Technical Regulator approved projects during 2022-2023 that are to be constructed during 2023-2024. In accordance with the Act, the prescribed funding to be contributed by SA Power Networks (two-thirds of the program funding) is $7,679,783 million. Proponents are required to contribute the remaining one-third.
Table: PLEC projects approved during 2022-23 for construction 2023-2024
| Project Location | Council/Proponent | $PLEC | $Council |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt Gambier, Margaret Street, Stage 1B | Mount Gambier | 551,714 | 275,857 |
| Port Adelaide, Commercial Road | Port Adelaide Enfield | 739,297 | 369,649 |
| Robe, Esplanade Stage 1 | Robe | 316,802 | 158,401 |
| Manoora, Memorial Hall | Clare and Gilbert | 73,796 | 36,898 |
| Pinnaroo, Railway Terrace Stage 1A & B (cancelled) | Southern Mallee | 591,336 | 295,668 |
| Jamestown, Ayr Street Stage 1A | Northern Areas | 1,435,215 | 717,607 |
| Moonta Bay, Bay Road, Stage 3 | Copper Coast | 1,601,000 | 800,500 |
| Moonta Bay, Bay Road, Stage 4 | Copper Coast | 964,990 | 482,495 |
| Moonta Bay, Bay Road Stage 5A | Copper Coast | 800,165 | 400,083 |
| Lameroo, Railway Terrace Stage 1 (cancelled) | Southern Mallee | 567,608 | 283,804 |
| Orroroo, Second Street, Stage 1B (cancelled) | Orroroo Carrieton | 37,860 | 0 |
| Financial year total | 7,679,783 | 3,820,962 | |
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) will design and install street lighting on Ayr Street, Jamestown and Northeast Road, Tea Tree Gully. DIT funded the installation of public lighting for PLEC projects on its roads during 2022-2023 to the value of $756,000.
Project locations
There are a number of projects proposed to commence construction in the 2023- 2024 program, including:
- The continuation of stages in Moonta Bay.
- The commencement of Two Wells in July 2023
- The commencement of Jamestown in September 2023
- The commencement of Brompton and Tea Tree Gully early in 2024
Project locations are shown in figure 1 below.
Funding and location over the long-term
Funding
Location
Note: Completed project photos are provided at appendix 2.
Risk management
Risk and audit at a glance
As part of good governance, OTR assessed PLEC’s governance structure and practices to identify opportunities to improve governance maturity. OTR also reviewed the Risk Management Framework and instituted a deep dive of key strategic risks.
OTR identified there has been no auditing framework/system in place for PLEC activities in the previous five years. Hence, unable to provide a performance report in this area for this financial year.
Fraud detected in the committee
| Category/nature of fraud | Number of instances |
|---|---|
| n/a | NIL |
NB: Fraud reported includes actual and reasonably suspected incidents of fraud.
Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud
OTR has identified systems gaps since taking on the function/responsibilities of PLEC from ESCOSA. OTR plans to implement auditing strategies and new systems to cover governance and financial system risks for PLEC scheme and reporting framework. Undertaking to commence in 2022-2023 period.
OTR aim for a workplace that is free of fraud, with internal controls in place to either prevent or detect fraud. Staff are bound by the Code of Ethics for the
South Australian Public Sector issued under the Public Sector Act 2009. We have policies on ethical conduct in the workplace and our fraud management policy aligns with the South Australian public sector fraud and corruption control policy. We are not aware of any actual, suspected or alleged fraudulent activity affecting the committee in 2022-2023.
Data for previous year is available on the 2021-2022 PLEC Annual Report.
Data prior to 2022 is unavailable as administrative function was transferred to OTR in January 2022.
Public interest disclosure
Number of occasions on which public interest information has been disclosed to a responsible officer of the agency under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018:
- Nil to report for PLEC.
The Department for Energy and Mining have nominated responsible officers to receive and action disclosures under the Public Disclosure Act 2018. All complaints under this Act are investigated in line with the department’s policy. All instances of disclosure of public interest information to a responsible officer of the department under the Public Disclosure Act 2018 are either referred to the appropriate agency or reviewed as part of department’s internal audit process.
Data for previous year is available on the 2021-2022 PLEC Annual Report.
Data prior to 2022 is unavailable as administrative function was transferred to OTR in January 2022.
Note: Disclosure of public interest information was previously reported under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993 and repealed by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018 on 1/7/2019.
Reporting required under any other act or regulation
| Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Electricity Act 1996 |
Section 14 – report annually to the Minister on the work the OTR has carried out relating to its role under the Electricity Act 1996 and the PLEC Charter.
Section 20(7) – administrative costs prescribed by associated definition in regulation. |
| Section 58A of the Electricity Act 1996 | Requirements of the PLEC program for undergrounding of powerlines, including approved Guidelines by the Minister to establish the terms of reference and operation of PLEC (e.g the PLEC Charter). |
| Regulation 44 of the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012 | Prescribed formula for determining PLEC funding amount each financial year, where the Minister has not determined a fixed amount pursuant to Section 58A(3). |
| Section 20(7) and Regulation 16(4) | Definition of administrative costs for section 20(7) in relation to any committee established for the purpose of advising the Minister on the program for undergrounding powerlines under section 58A of the Act. |
Public complaints
Number of public complaints reported
| Complaint categories | Sub-categories | Example | Number of Complaints 2022-2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional behaviour | Staff attitude | Failure to demonstrate values such as empathy, respect, fairness, courtesy, extra mile; cultural competency | 0 |
| Professional behaviour | Staff competency | Failure to action service request; poorly informed decisions; incorrect or incomplete service provided | 0 |
| Professional behaviour | Staff knowledge | Lack of service specific knowledge; incomplete or out-of-date knowledge | 0 |
| Communication | Communication quality | Inadequate, delayed or absent communication with customer | 1 |
| Communication | Confidentiality | Customer’s confidentiality or privacy not respected; information shared incorrectly | 0 |
| Service delivery | Systems/technology | System offline; inaccessible to customer; incorrect result/information provided; poor system design | 1 |
| Service delivery | Access to services | Service difficult to find; location poor; facilities/ environment poor standard; not accessible to customers with disabilities | 0 |
| Service delivery | Process | Processing error; incorrect process used; delay in processing application; process not customer responsive | 2 |
| Policy | Policy application | Incorrect policy interpretation; incorrect policy applied; conflicting policy advice given | 1 |
| Policy | Policy content | Policy content difficult to understand; policy unreasonable or disadvantages customer | 0 |
| Service quality | Information | Incorrect, incomplete, out dated or inadequate information; not fit for purpose | 1 |
| Service quality | Access to information | Information difficult to understand, hard to find or difficult to use; not plain English | 1 |
| Service quality | Timeliness | Lack of staff punctuality; excessive waiting times (outside of service standard); timelines not met | 1 |
| Service quality | Safety | Maintenance; personal or family safety; duty of care not shown; poor security service/ premises; poor cleanliness | 0 |
| Service quality | Service responsiveness | Service design doesn’t meet customer needs; poor service fit with customer expectations | 1 |
| No case to answer | No case to answer | Third party; customer misunderstanding; redirected to another agency; insufficient information to investigate | 1 |
| Total | 10 |
Additional Metrics
| Additional Metrics | Total |
|---|---|
| Number of positive feedback comments | 0 |
| Number of negative feedback comments | 10 |
| Total number of feedback comments | 10 |
| % complaints resolved within policy timeframes | 80% |
Data for previous year is available on the 2021-2022 PLEC Annual Report.
Data prior to 2022 is unavailable as administrative function was transferred to OTR in January 2022.
Service Improvements
OTR continues to update website content for PLEC materials. PLEC has established processes to review and update the PLEC charter and PLEC guideline documents for the 2022-2023 period. OTR continues integration of PLEC reporting activities for complaints/compliment feedback using the existing DEM/OTR system. OTR has plans for a regulation review in 2023-2024, which will present an opportunity to make service improvements associated with the PLEC scheme and to address issues raised by stakeholders. OTR has started preliminary consultation processes with PLEC and stakeholders during 2022-2023. |
Compliance Statement
| OTR is compliant with Premier and Cabinet Circular 039 – complaint management in the South Australian public sector | Y |
| OTR has communicated the content of PC 039 and the agency’s related complaints policies and procedures to employees. | Y |
Appendix 1: Audited financial statements 2022-2023
Audited financial statements 2022-2023 (PDF, 341.0 KB)
Appendix 2: Completed Project Photos
Alawoona Avenue, Mitchell Park (City of Marion)
Alawoona Avenue, Mitchell Park
A once busy thoroughfare connecting Marion Road to the Tonsley Mitsubishi Plant and South Road, has continued with the evolving Tonsley Innovation District. The undergrounding of powerlines has created a safer place with increased public lighting and will allow the City of Marion to widen footpaths, provide safe bike lanes and improved vegetation.
Church Street, Port Adelaide (City of Port Adelaide / Enfield)
Church Street, Port Adelaide
The upgraded shopping centre precinct and carparks, combined with the new pavements and significant planting of vegetation was not complete without the undergrounding of the powerlines. The added council lighting provides improved visibility and safety along the entire street and to the new under shade car park.
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide (City of Port Adelaide / Enfield)
Commercial Road, Port Adelaide
Undergrounding the final section of Commercial Road, provides a welcoming gateway into Port Adelaide’s CBD. Allowing the City of Port Adelaide and Enfield to complete planting and vegetation, improving the aesthetics and freshness of the main entrance to this historical port side suburb. DIT facilitated a major upgrade of the section, which provides improved safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
Lower Northeast Road, Campbelltown (City of Campbelltown)
Lower Northeast Road, Campbelltown
Located in the Northeastern suburbs of Adelaide, a busy and community orientated locale with café’s, restaurants and churches. One of the most complicated undergrounding activities undertaken in recent times, with much of the work undertaken at night. DIT facilitated a major upgrade of the section, which provides improved safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
Manoora Community Hall – Weymouth Street (Clare and Gilbert Valleys)
Manoora Community Hall
Located 120 kilometres North of Adelaide, the undergrounding of powerlines has allowed access, to carry out much needed maintenance of the State Heritage listed Hall. A popular location for community events and markets.
Margaret Street, Mount Gambier (City of Mount Gambier)
Margaret Street, Mount Gambier
Undergrounding of the powerlines along Margaret Street and O’Halloran Terrace, was strategically constructed with the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre at its heart. The streetscape program and upgraded footpaths provides an ease for pedestrians commuting to the events and community facilities. New public lighting improves the visual appearance and increases safety for the high pedestrian and vehicular activity.
Military Road, Henley Beach (City of Charles Sturt)
Military Road, Henley Beach
A seaside suburb of Adelaide, where the undergrounding of powerlines has allowed the widening of footpaths, parking bays and planting of vegetation. Throughout the year the area is bustling with activity, the removal of stobie poles has created an open and safer area for pedestrians and traffic to coexist.
