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Our key achievements:
Service provider

The following are key indicators of our success as a service provider:

Our role as service provider has resulted in the following significant achievements for 2018–19:

Acquisition of the Kidson Seismic Survey

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Kalgoorlie seismic line data acquisition

Completed 6 April 2019, the Eastern Goldfields Seismic Survey recorded valuable geological data in the area between Broad Arrow and Kambalda, Western Australia. Consisting of seven traverses along existing roads and tracks, across 305 kilometres, the survey was the culmination of comprehensive planning and stakeholder consultation by the department between July and December 2018.

It is estimated that both the raw data and final data products from the Eastern Goldfields Seismic Survey will be available by September 2019. This data will complement the department’s existing aeromagnetic and radiometric surveys of the Eastern Goldfields area; regional ground gravity surveys; and existing Geoscience Australia deep 2D seismic traverses. The integration of Eastern Goldfields Seismic Survey data witheld mapping and other survey data will provide a substantially improved understanding of the region’s geology. Additionally, it will assist in delineating areas suitable for more detailed 3D seismic exploration surveys.

Tenancy Bonds Project delivers fast, automated, return of bond monies

Over the past 24 months, the department has been working with the Department of Justice on a residential tenancy bond project. The project involved developing a web interface with the Magistrates Court to improve accuracy. By automatically populating court application forms with the relevant bond data from the bond lodgement records, fewer matters are required to be reheard due to incorrect details being presented to the courts.

In August 2018, the final stage of the project implemented a ‘hands free’ feature enabling the Magistrates Court to send its orders to Bonds Administration electronically. This is where the tenants or lessors’ electronic financial transactions details are held, so the system automatically issues payment in accordance with the court order; requiring no human intervention.

Under this system, tenants and lessors are now receiving monies in two to four days from the court order being made, resulting in substantial efficiencies and a faster return of bond monies.

Security of payment reform

Since 2017, the department has been assisting the Minister for Commerce implement the Government’s election commitment to improve payment protections for subcontractors in the building and construction industry.

During 2017–18, officers assisted Mr John Fiocco and the Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC to carry out an extensive inquiry and consultation process with industry stakeholders.

In October 2018, a final report was provided to the Minister and released publicly. The report contains 44 recommendations that provide a roadmap for improving payment protections for WA subcontractors.

The department is now working with the Minister to implement the recommendations and develop new legislation.

Kimberley Outreach Project – Kalumburu

The Kalumburu Community is the northernmost settlement in Western Australia. Located 12 hours’ drive from the nearest town and 53 hours’ drive from Perth, it is also one of WA’s remotest communities.

In the latter half of 2018, the community obtained access to mobile phone coverage for the first time. Since many community members had not previously had access to this technology, the department travelled to the area to provide information about online safety and consumer rights, scam awareness, and consumer awareness in relation to mobile phone contracts.

This work demonstrated the department’s commitment to delivering its services to the people of WA, regardless of where they are located.

The establishment of and building a rapport with key contacts in remote communities such as Kalumburu contribute towards the reduction of possible financial distress or other detriment to consumers who may be considered vulnerable or disadvantaged.

People Helping People – improving our service delivery

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Improving access to our services for all

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Mineral Systems Atlas

The Mineral Systems Atlas is a new online, map-based product that collates and delivers pre-competitive geoscience data filtered to be specifically relevant to understanding and exploring for mineral deposits in Western Australia.

To create content for the Atlas, our geologists have been working with other experts to identify the critical geological processes that are understood to form and preserve mineral deposits; and translate these into geological features that indicate where these processes have occurred.

Maps of these geological features are created using automated queries that extract relevant information from primary Geological Survey databases; and become the “pages” of the Atlas, grouped together for each featured mineral system.

The Atlas includes an online guide that documents all aspects of the creation of the Atlas, particularly descriptions of current models for mineral deposit formation, and the procedures used to generate “proxy” geological maps of mineralising processes, and to generate these map layers.

The Atlas currently features information for the komatiite-hosted nickel sulphide and enriched iron-formation mineral systems. However, its modular and hierarchical design will readily permit the addition of information for other mineral systems and commodity groups in Western Australia as they become available.

The Atlas is a significant step towards streamlining the delivery of pre-competitive geoscience data, and should assist mineral explorers to more efficiently generate and test potential prospects.