Arborist Reference Group

The Arborist Reference Group was established in 2014 as an independent entity, providing horticultural and arboriculture advice on a range of strategic initiatives aimed at improving amenity outcomes and vegetation management near powerlines.

The group consists of representatives from the following organisations

• Botanic Gardens SA
• Community representatives
• Horticulture Media Association
• Local Government representatives
• Nursery industry representatives
• Nursery and garden industry representatives
• Native vegetation council
• SA Tree Advisory Board
• Treenet
• Trees for life
• Vegetation clearance contractors
• Guest speakers

Since its establishment, the group has been working collaboratively to progress several key initiatives to improve vegetation clearance outcoming including:

• A protocol for vegetation management near powerlines

• A powerline-friendly list of species

• Changes to the regulations governing vegetation clearance across the State, including pruning around low voltage power lines and the 10-year review.

Kelvin Trimper, Deputy Chair of our Community Advisory Board (CAB) is one of the founding members of the Arborist Reference Group.

The group is chaired by Doug Schmidt, Executive General Manager, Network Management, and supported by Patrice Pearson, Stakeholder Engagement Lead, SA Power Networks.