Public Works Committee: Annual Report 2014-15

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (11:28): I move:

That the 541^st report of the committee, entitled Annual Report 2014-15, be noted.

As members no doubt are aware, the Public Works Committee considers all public works projects over $4 million to be undertaken by or on behalf of the state government. In 2014-15 we considered 17 new projects. Some of the referrals received by the committee had a project cost of under $11 million (GST exclusive). These are often projects that are straightforward in nature or maintenance and repair-type projects for agencies, such as SA Water. Thus, the committee has resolved to determine on a case-by-case basis whether further oral evidence is required on these projects.

Of the 17 referrals considered by the committee 10, were valued under $11 million, and the committee determined that further evidence was not required on three of these projects. This financial year the committee undertook three regional trips as well as six site visits in the metropolitan area. These visits are important for a number of reasons, including providing the committee with another mechanism for monitoring project progress. The committee still receives quarterly reports from the departments on the progress of all current projects in between time.

A number of prison projects were referred over the period, and, in order to better understand the issues facing correctional facilities, we undertook several prison site visits, including during our regional trips to Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier. These visits provided an opportunity for departmental and operational staff to explain some of the challenging dynamics facing the correctional system such as the ageing prison population and the complexities of these infrastructure projects, particularly managing construction projects in or adjacent to a secure or restricted site.

We also heard about the industry programs provided at the different prisons, inspected the facilities at Port Lincoln where the produce racks for the oyster industry were produced and also where fresh produce was grown and delivered to local businesses. In Mount Gambier, we were able to visit the furniture and manufacturing facility.

During this financial year, the committee also heard further evidence on two current projects, namely, the Adelaide Oval project (where details of the external landscaping and stormwater management were provided) and the Adelaide Convention Centre (where unforeseen structural issues were encountered with the deconstruction of the current convention centre impacting on the budget). The committee, along with the member for Adelaide, inspected the completed stage 1 works of the Adelaide Convention Centre—the new build towards the Morphett Street bridge—and the initial works for stage 2 which, at the time, had just commenced. The proposed new Adelaide Convention Centre looks impressive as well as very multifunctional, and is due for completion in 2017.

The regional trips also provided a different perspective to public works and highlighted the issues facing regional communities. Whilst there, I and other committee members met with local government representatives to discuss some of the key issues facing their region. Similar issues were raised across all three regions, including energy and utility infrastructure and road and rail infrastructure. The committee found these discussions most valuable and appreciates the time taken by the mayors, deputy mayors, chief executives and directors in taking time to talk with us—and I can confirm all the messages were passed on to the Premier, as discussed at the time.

I would also like to thank all those people who have presented to the committee over the year. There has been quite a variety of projects, from water and roads to new ambulance stations. I thank my fellow committee members—the members for Colton, Torrens, Finniss and Chaffey—for their dedication, robust discussion and scrutiny of projects and, of course, the hard work over the period.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff of the committee—Alison Meeks (Executive Officer), Ryan Piekarski (Administrative Officer) and Amanda Sheeky (previous administrative officer) for their hard work. They provided us with an interesting year of site visits and interesting trips while ensuring we met our statutory obligations in a timely manner.

I would particularly like to acknowledge Amanda, who worked in the committee office for eight years: four of those were with this committee. She demonstrated dedication and reliability at all times. I know I speak on behalf of committee members when I wish her every success in her new role with the Australian Sports Commission, which fits her very well with her passion for touch football. I recommend that the report be noted by the house.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (11:33): I, too, will make a small contribution and rise to support the 541^st report of the Public Works Committee entitled Annual Report 2015-16. The 2014-15 year was a busy year and the 17 projects referred to the committee were always interesting and highlighted the infrastructure works that come before the committee. All are GST exclusive?

Ms Digance: Exclusive.

Mr WHETSTONE: Thank you. I think one of the great tools in understanding how these projects are implemented, how they work and the benefits they give the state is being able to site visit the projects. This allows the committee to better understand how the money is being spent and, obviously, some of the complexities when they are being built or refurbished. We gain a much better understanding but, also, we have an obligation to understand that it is taxpayers' money and that we are there to make sure it is best spent.

I would like to thank the committee. It is a good, robust and engaging committee. The Chair is doing a great job, as are the staff. I think the staff need to be commended for their good work over the time, putting up with the antics of some of the committee members. Overall, I think it is a good committee and worthy of endorsing.

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (11:35): I would like to thank the member for Chaffey for his very insightful words on the annual report and also his compliments towards the staff and committee members. With that, I note the report.

Motion carried.