Connect - 20 November 2020

Message from the Chief Executive

For more information about the six-day pause on community activities and South Australia’s response to SA.GOV.AU COVID-19.

Our AGFMA essential workers at Modbury Hospital have shared this important message. I echo their sentiment and thank you all for your work as we follow state directions and do our part to keep our community safe.

If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or concerns, please email them to telltony@sa.gov.au.

Working with our industry

This week we launched the first phase of market sounding for the North-South Corridor, at an Industry Briefing attended virtually by over 300 industry members.

The launch of the market sounding process was accompanied by the issue of a Registration of Interest, which invites interested industry members to provide valuable feedback and lessons learnt on a range of topics that will influence how the project is delivered.

This engagement marks the start of ongoing and collaborative dialogue with industry on this significant transport network and city shaping project. Extensive market engagement will continue as the design progresses and will include broader engagement with sub-contractors and other partners in the supply chain.

Photo of Executive Director, North-South Corridor Susana Fueyo standing at a podium in the bottom right of the image presenting to attendees of the recent market sounding industry briefing event. A large screen is behind her displaying a slide from her presentation about the registration of interest process for the North-South Corridor project.
Executive Director, North-South Corridor, Susana Fueyo at the market sounding industry briefing earlier this week.

Teaming up for a good result

Well done to our department staff who stepped in to offer assistance for one of our sister government agencies.

I received an email from Infrastructure SA thanking the Central Services & Travel / Light Vehicles Unit for providing a sensible and workable option to a transport problem in a remote location.

Importantly, the email noted ‘All the contact touchpoints at DIT went above and beyond to make this trip possible’. A shining example of people across the department working well as a team.

Making international news

News that the South Australian Government has introduced the option for customers to tap and pay with a credit card or smart device on Adelaide Metro trams is attracting a lot of attention around the world.

Details of the successful pilot with global partners Conduent Transportation, Visa, Mastercard and the CBA have been shared internationally.

Most importantly, word about this convenient, contactless new payment option is getting out locally. Since we launched the pilot on 20 September, we have clocked up 3,500 unique users and 5,300 fare validations, with credit card tap and pay now making up around 70% of all casual tram fares (about 40% more than regular paper ticket validations).

Delivering a practical solution

Our Network Management Services team produced a great example of listening to the community, recognising a need and delivering a quality solution recently.

When residents at a retirement village expressed concern about the need for a safe way for residents to cross the road, the team got involved, organising the delivery of a zebra crossing, which was a practical and fast solution that met every need.

As a result, we recently received a letter of thanks from the residents’ association.

“Our residents are very happy to have level and wider access to the crossings. Those with walkers and gophers are especially pleased. The paving being adjusted to be wider and level has made that corner much better and is appreciated,” the letter said.

This is the kind of result we should always aim for.

Looking out for each other during our State’s pause

I encourage you to watch White Ribbon Australia's video that showcases the real impacts and outcomes of the State Government’s participation in the White Ribbon workplace accreditation program.

This is a timely message as we pause as a state – it is more important than ever that we look out for each other and work together to stay safe during this time.

As you may be aware, there is an increased risk of domestic violence when people are confined to their houses. You can help prevent domestic and family violence this White Ribbon Day by checking in on your colleagues, neighbours, extended family and friends via phone or online, or if you would like to access a confidential information, counselling and support service call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

A White Ribbon Day campaign image with a black background and bold white text that reads ‘Stand up, speak out and act to prevent domestic and family violence in all its forms. White Ribbon Day is Friday 20 November 2020’. The White Ribbon logo is visible in the bottom left hand corner that reads ‘In support of White Ribbon Australia’.