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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-05-15 Daily Xml
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Public Works Committee: Gawler Tank Project

Adjourned debate on motion of Ms Hood:

That the 114th report of the committee, entitled Gawler Tank Project, be noted.

(Continued from 20 February 2025.)

Ms HOOD (Adelaide) (11:38): I continue my remarks on the Gawler Tank Project. SA Water Engineering has been responsible for analysis and concept design, and a design and construct model was selected to deliver the project, with a major framework partner submitting a proposal to complete the project.

The project will be managed in accordance with SA Water's corporate project management methodology by a project manager from the agency's Capital Planning and Delivery group. The project manager is responsible for the project development and delivery, including seeking approvals and overseeing works.

To manage risks, SA Water uses a business management policy and framework. Risk analysis has identified potential impacts on the environment, for which detailed design and construction methodology has considered adverse impacts to amenity, trees, native fauna and habitat. There are further concerns regarding network isolation failures and the loss of service supply to customers, for which detailed planning and coordination will aim to minimise interruptions.

SA Water is committed to operating sustainably and has implemented corporate-wide policies to support viability now and into the future. The selected contractor will be encouraged to develop processes that consider short-term and long-term local and global environmental, social and economic considerations. Initiatives include efficient use of resources, reducing carbon emissions, the use of local expertise and contractors, selecting flexible processes and products, and employing recycling and re-use where possible.

An environment control plan has been prepared to ensure the project is delivered in compliance with relevant legislative frameworks. Under the Water Civil Framework Delivery Partnership, the contractor has an established construction environmental management plan outlining general environmental controls and mitigation measures. A site environmental management plan will be developed to address site-specific environmental conditions. The agency does not expect the project to impact native vegetation, and approvals have been sought for the removal of two trees.

The agency has confirmed that native title has been extinguished on the site, provided the infrastructure and construction works remain within the gazetted road reserves and within previously disturbed corridors through SA Water or subject-owned land parcels. Assessments have indicated a medium-level risk of encountering or impacting Aboriginal heritage, and the construction contractor will be required to comply with SA Water's standard operating procedure if any discoveries are made. Additionally, all site construction employees will attend a site-specific Aboriginal cultural heritage induction. The agency has identified no project impact on European heritage places or items.

The new tank is proposed to be installed on existing SA Water land and will have minimal impact on the community. However, communication with relevant stakeholders will remain ongoing throughout the planning and construction phases of the project. The tank and associated road detouring are located within the Gawler council area, and SA Water has consulted with the council regarding plans to undertake works, ensuring there will be appropriate levels of traffic management in place. Internal stakeholders and partner organisations will be kept informed throughout the project via progress meetings. The submission has been circulated amongst relevant government departments, which have indicated support for the project.

The committee examined written and oral evidence in relation to the Gawler tank project. Witnesses who appeared before the committee were Peter Seltsikas, Senior Manager Capital Delivery, SA Water and Jasmine Kabir, Project Manager, SA Water. I thank the witnesses for their time. I would also like to thank the member for Light, who presented to the committee regarding this project in his electorate.

Based upon the evidence considered and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public work.

Motion carried.

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