The year in review
EPA strategic highlights for the year include:
- Publication of the sixth State of the environment South Australia report on 19 September 2013.
- Targets set for the ongoing management of Lake Bonney in the South East.
- Improved regulation and reduced red tape for the tuna industry.
- Significant input into legislation passed by the state government as part of the Nyrstar transformation project and the state government decision to approve the redevelopment of the lead and zinc smelter.
- A study regarding noise from the Waterloo Wind Farm.
- Publication of the first series of near-shore marine aquatic ecosystem condition reports.
- Delivery of the EPA’s first annual compliance plan for 2013–14.
- Establishment of an active social media presence by launch of an EPA Twitter account.
EPA operational highlights for the year include the following achievements:
- The submission to the Expert Panel on Planning Reform was finalised.
- Work was carried out with Primary Industries and Regions SA on a 90-day change project to streamline regulation of the tuna industry. The industry estimates the benefits from these new arrangements could be as much as $700 000 a year.
- Work health and safety (WHS) staff perception surveys were completed and a Work Health and Safety and Injury Management Transformation Strategy was developed.
- 35 staff ‘subject matter experts’ were appointed to take ownership of safe operating procedures (SOPs) and train their peers to ensure ongoing competency.
- 94% of licence management plans were in place and up to date for Tier 1 and Tier 2 licences.
- An organisational performance self assessment was finalised using the state government’s High Performance Framework.
- Work was carried out with the Northern Territory EPA to align the respective container deposit schemes to the types of beverages available for a refund.
- Implementation and integration of the change reform initiatives identified as part of the EPA Change Program were continued to make the agency a more efficient and effective regulator.
- There was a 200% rise in the reporting of hazards, incidents or near misses against previous annual totals. This represents a change in WHS culture and the need to report all incidents including near-miss incidents.
- Development of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commenced to document actions that the EPA will take to contribute to reconciliation in Australia.