ElectraNet has a responsibility and part to play within our general community. We strive to work within the community in the areas where we are working.
Support for local CFS units
ElectraNet strives to meet its obligations and responsibilities to people who live near, and the environments around, our assets. We take precautions at all times and specifically during the bush fire danger seasons. In consultation with the Country Fire Service (CFS), activities are managed to address risks associated with fire prevention and management. ElectraNet also follows the Country Fire Ban District regions for vegetation management activity each year.
CFS Brigades in Mt Barker, Pt. Lincoln, Clare and Mt. Bryan all received a corporate donation for the provision of equipment, training and recruitment costs to prepare for the coming 2008-09 summer season.
ElectraNet plays its part in protecting the community from bushfires by maintaining a cyclical vegetation clearance program on all its powerlines throughout the State. We take this responsibility very seriously and so we understand the expectations of regional communities and in turn appreciate services such as the local Country Fire Service units run by local community members.
Indigenous Australian
The indigenous cultures of Australia are the oldest living cultural history in the world dating back beyond 50,000 years. Land is the core of all spirituality for Indigenous Australians and as developers of land ElectraNet holds the views, desires and needs of traditional owners in the highest regard.
An example of ElectraN'et's work in the community:
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE PROTECTED AT ElectraNet’s DAVENPORT SUBSTATION
In 2005 ElectraNet commenced the design phase for the Playford Relocations project involving establishment of an expansion of the Davenport substation and considerable line work to direct transmission lines to the new site from the Playford ‘A’ and “B’ substations. The Davenport substation had been established in the late 1970’s. Shortly afterwards in 1982, Archaeologist Tom Gara recorded a site of Aboriginal Cultural significance adjacent to the western boundary of the substation.
In accordance with ElectraNet’s Sustainability commitments, the early design phase for line works and substation extension involved collaboration of environmental, archaeological, anthropological, engineering and planning professionals working together with representatives of Traditional Owner groups. This team established the proposed location of infrastructure in a manner that balanced needs for economic and engineering efficiency with cultural concerns held by the men and women of Kokatha, Nukunu and Barngarla peoples. On site surveys were conducted with representatives of these groups and sensitive areas identified were then either avoided or recorded for monitoring during the construction phase.
In a 12 month two step process the registered site was firstly reviewed and its expanded dimensions made official. Consultation with Traditional Owners was then facilitated by Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, before the Minister granted approval for the required infrastructure development in September 2006. The approval bound ElectraNet to provide monitoring opportunities for representatives of traditional owners during earthworks in specified higher risk areas. The monitoring also required the presence of archaeological experts and the production of a compliance report upon completion of the works.
The development of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan to guide monitoring and measure compliance during the construction phase was completed in 2008.
In October 2008 the benching of substation platforms at Davenport was successfully monitored by representatives of Kokatha, Nukunu and Barngarla peoples. The photos below show earthwork activities to establish substation benches in the sand hill area north of the existing substation at Davenport.
Planning Approvals Manager Myles Somers said, “ The entire experience was one I look back on with pride given the way various disciplines such as engineering, archaeology, environmental and planning worked together with three Aboriginal owner groups for a practical solution that met ElectraNet’s and the Traditional Owners needs. From that experience ElectraNet has established strong relationships with the Nukunu, Kokatha and Barngarla peoples whose territories collectively cover an area including all of Eyre Peninsula and significant portions of both mid and Far North of SA.”
Cultural Heritage Awareness training is provided to key ElectraNet staff including Project and Construction Managers on a regular basis through DPA and Legal Services. Anyone interested in knowing more about the Cultural Heritage activities related to the Playford Relocations Project or in general should contact Planning Approvals Manager, Myles Somers on 8404 7212.
Your safety is also our first priority. Please review details provided within the Safety section of this website for further important information.
