Kangaroo Island Bushfire Recovery Support

In reply to the Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson) (19 February 2020).

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Minister for Environment and Water): I have been advised:

The tender process for contracts to clean up waste on Kangaroo Island and Cudlee Creek has involved a combination of direct engagement with panelled suppliers through the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and registrations of interest from local companies.

Direct engagement of contractors has been necessary given the need to get work started as soon as possible following the bushfires.

Contractors were engaged in January 2020 to undertake immediate asbestos suppression spraying in Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island.

This work necessitated an urgent and efficient response for public safety and public interest reasons, and the work was contracted by Green Industries SA through direct engagement with licensed and qualified suppliers with available equipment.

Waste consultancies were also directly engaged by Green Industries SA to provide on-the-ground services including: waste management assessments of affected sites, data analysis, oversight of clean-up work, and liaison services.

The process for engagement of suppliers for undertaking the clean-up of bushfire-affected material commenced in February 2020 with a focus on properties with asbestos contaminated materials.

Green Industries SA used the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure's 'Prequalified list for demolition and asbestos removal' to identify suppliers.

Advice on Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills suppliers was also sought through waste management consultants, the local recovery offices and through direct inquiries.

The clean-up work is being undertaken progressively in geographic clusters, and prioritised to help re-establish businesses, assist vulnerable people and those establishing or living in temporary housing on site.

Local suppliers are imperative to the clean-up effort and clusters of work are being specifically organised to ensure optimal utilisation of these suppliers, in accordance with their capacity and local knowledge.

Local contractors who do not hold the licensing required for asbestos clean-up works are integral to the clean-up of other materials, and Green Industries SA is encouraging asbestos-licensed suppliers to subcontract work to these local suppliers where possible.

The government is continuing to seek out and identify opportunities for local contractors wherever possible. Suppliers are encouraged to register their interest and capability to undertake clean-up works with Green Industries SA.

In February notices were published in The Advertiser and The Islander to again encourage suppliers to register their interest with Green Industries SA. Additionally, Green Industries SA published information on their website, state emergency websites and provided information via the local recovery offices.