Victor Harbor library will hold two session on AI to help those curious about Artificial Intelligence and how it’s shaping the world.The free 90 minute sessions, for ages 15+ to adult, will be held on Thursday 12 February at 11am and 2pm.The morning session is AI 101: Understanding the Basics, which aims to demystify AI and explore its impact on everyday life.It will cover key concepts; how machine learning and algorithms work; where it is used; and what the future holds.This session is designed to be accessible and is suitable for complete beginners and those who want to learn more.The afternoon session, AI in Action, will feature a hands on demonstration that explores how different AI platforms work.It will include smart assistants, image recognition and language tools.Find out more and register to attend either or both sessions via the library events page – AI 101 and AI in action.

McLaren Vale locals, business owners and community members are being invited to take part in the next Imagine McLaren Vale community conversation, with a second gathering planned for Monday 9 February.The session follows strong local engagement last year, when residents and businesses shared hundreds of ideas about what they value most about McLaren Vale — and what they hope to see protected or strengthened as the town grows and changes.Rather than starting again, organisers say the upcoming gathering will focus on reflecting back on those ideas and working together to shape a shared vision for the future.“McLaren Vale is a place many of us deeply love — its people, landscape, character and way of life,” says Amanda Atlee from the McLaren Vale Business & Tourism Association.“This conversation is about listening, finding common ground, and thinking together about how our town stays welcoming, connected and vibrant into the future.”The February session will:share key themes that emerged from the initial listening phaseexplore what people want McLaren Vale to feel like in the years aheadidentify priority focus areas for the communityinvite participants to get involved in small working groups to help progress ideasSince the first Imagine McLaren Vale gathering, several positive developments have already taken place, including:a commitment from Onkaparinga Council to upgrade Gemmel Tassie Reservenew conversations around heritage trails and local history walksstrong community participation in recent events such as the McLaren Vale Christmas Pageant and the Tour Down UnderThe session is open to anyone who cares about McLaren Vale, including residents, business owners, those working in tourism and hospitality, and people who simply enjoy spending time in the region.Event details📅 Monday 9 February 🕡 6:30–8:00pm 📍 McLaren Vale Visitor Information CentreFor those unable to attend in person, the community survey remains open and ideas can still be shared online.👉 RSVP or find out more: https://forms.gle/DLMbNnmLB2faawJW6👉 RSVP or find out more: https://forms.gle/DLMbNnmLB2faawJW6

The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Regional Landscape Plan, a roadmap for caring for the region’s natural and productive landscapes over the next five years. The plan sets out priorities, strategies, and practical actions to help local landscapes thrive, supporting healthy soil, waterways and nature for generations to come.Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board Chair David Greenhough says the new plan builds on progress made under the previous five-year plan.“Across the Hills and Fleurieu, land managers, community groups, and volunteers have worked tirelessly to improve soil health, protect biodiversity, and manage water responsibly. “Partnerships with First Nations have grown stronger, with cultural knowledge helping to guide how we care for Country. These efforts show the power of whole-of-community stewardship to help our landscapes flourish.“We’ve also faced challenges and will continue to do so. Bushfires, long dry spells, pest animals and weeds, and a marine algal bloom have tested the resilience of our ecosystems, farms and communities. “This plan focuses on practical, collaborative actions and adaptable strategies to meet future challenges and protect landscapes for generations to come,” he says.The draft plan reflects this work and the ideas shared by the community. It has been shaped through a thorough review of the previous plan and the insights gathered from a series of Landscape Conversations and a Yarning Circle with First Nations representatives held across the region last year.The plan continues to be built around five regional priorities - Land, Water, Nature, Community and Climate - along with the objectives, strategies and actions needed to achieve lasting and beneficial change.“From conserving natural places and ecosystems, to healthy and productive land and waterways, each priority is interconnected, and progress depends on working across all five together,” Mr Greenhough says.“We warmly invite anyone with an interest in the health of the region’s landscapes to review the draft plan and provide feedback. This is our region’s plan and we all have a role to play to turn it into action.” The draft Hills and Fleurieu Regional Landscape Plan 2026-2031 can be viewed and comments provided online. Public consultation closes on Friday 6 March.

As the final weekend of January kicks off, drivers are reminded to stay safe and alert on the roads this Saturday, January 31. Mobile speed cameras will be in operation across South Australia, targeting both regional routes and busy urban areas.With summer still in full swing and holidaymakers making the most of the weekend, police are continuing their statewide road safety efforts to reduce speeding and prevent crashes. Mobile speed detection units will be monitoring key locations to ensure drivers are sticking to speed limits and travelling responsibly.Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring the regions, or simply enjoying a weekend drive, remember to slow down and stay safe.A full list of mobile speed camera locations for Saturday, January 31, is available below.BAINS RD, ONKAPARINGA HILLSELIZABETH RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSGALLOWAY RD, O'SULLIVAN BEACHGORGE RD, ATHELSTONEGRAND JUNCTION RD, HOPE VALLEYGRANTS GULLY RD, CLARENDONKELLY RD, MODBURYMAIN SOUTH RD, HUNTFIELD HEIGHTSMARYVALE RD, ATHELSTONEMCKINNA RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSMEYER RD, LONSDALEMONTAGUE RD, MODBURYNORTH EAST RD, ST AGNESOLD SOUTH RD, OLD REYNELLAPENNEYS HILL RD, HACKHAMPOMPOOTA RD, MODBURYREYNELL RD, REYNELLA EASTSHEREBROOKE BVD, WOODCROFTSHERRIFFS RD, MORPHETT VALESHERRIFFS RD, REYNELLASHERRIFFS RD, LONSDALESIR JAMES HARDY WAY, WOODCROFTSMART RD, MODBURYSOUTHERN EXP, LONSDALESTRADBROKE RD, ATHELSTONECountry traffic camera locations now until February 8, 2026:ALBERT RD, MOUNT BARKERALEXANDRINA RD, CURRENCY CREEKALEXANDRINA RD, CURRENCY CREEKALEXANDRINA RD, FINNISSASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNAUGUSTA HWY, WARNERTOWNAUGUSTA HWY, PORT WAKEFIELDAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELAUGUSTA HWY, REDHILLAUGUSTA HWY, SNOWTOWNAUGUSTA HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKBALHANNAH RD, HAHNDORFBARKER RD, MOUNT BARKERBARRIER HWY, HANSONBARRIER HWY, BURRABARUNGA GAP RD, SNOWTOWNBATTUNGA RD, ECHUNGABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSCHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCHATFIELD TCE, WALLAROOCOPPER COAST HWY, PORT WAKEFIELDDASHWOOD GULLY RD, MEADOWSDRUIDS AVE, MOUNT BARKERFLAXLEY RD, MOUNT BARKERGOOLWA RD, CURRENCY CREEKGOYDER HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKGREENHILL RD, SUMMERTOWNGREY TCE, PORT PIRIEHORROCKS HWY, TARLEEHORROCKS HWY, RHYNIEHORROCKS HWY, AUBURNHUGHES ST, WALLAROOJUNCTION RD, LITTLEHAMPTONKADINA RD, WALLAROOLONG VALLEY RD, WISTOWLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN NORTH RD, CLAREMAIN RD, PORT PIRIEMARY ELIE ST, PORT PIRIEMOUNT BARKER RD, HAHNDORFNAIRNE RD, WOODSIDENEAGLES ROCK RD, CLAREONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD, WOODSIDEPRINCES HWY, LITTLEHAMPTONSENATE RD, PORT PIRIE WESTSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNVENABLES ST, MACCLESFIELDWANDEARAH RD, PORT PIRIE SOUTHWELLINGTON RD, MOUNT BARKERWELLINGTON RD, WISTOW

Writers’ groups, authors, community organisations, publishers and booksellers have joined together to organise a replacement for the cancelled Adelaide Writers’ Week.They have organised a range of events for readers and writers under a one-off umbrella festival, Constellations, to be held from 28 February to 5 March and are encouraging regional groups to hold their own events.“This festival will not replicate the programming of much-respected Adelaide Writers’ Week director Louise Adler,” says Adelaide author Jennifer Mills. “We won’t try to recreate the scale and feel of Adelaide Writers’ Week – we don’t have the time or resources for that. Instead, we are supporting decentralised, community-driven events. “This is a collective response to the frustration and disappointment felt by so many of us at the way this year’s Writers’ Week was lost. We want to create spaces where readers and writers can come together in a show of strength and solidarity.” The umbrella festival has been organised by a broad range of local representatives, including booksellers, publishers and authors, with not-for-profit industry body Writers SA acting as a central point of communication and logistics. It was initiated to show support for the writers and readers who withdrew from Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 in protest at the previous Adelaide Festival board’s decision to cancel the appearance of Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. The new board has subsequently apologised to Dr Abdel-Fattah and invited her to speak at Adelaide Writers’ Week 2027. “Adelaide Writers’ Week is a huge opportunity for writers – from bestselling international authors, to local debuts – to participate in fruitful discussions about their work, to meet readers and to sell their books,” according to Alisa Ahmed, managing editor at Hardie Grant Publishing. “Those authors are missing out on key financial and professional opportunities, which is particularly devastating for local authors.” Under the heading of Constellations, organisers are inviting bookshops, libraries, schools and other venues and community groups across the state to register events and get involved. Participants can organise an event independently, or the group is happy to play matchmaker, putting interested venues and authors in touch to coordinate details as needed. “We have been overwhelmed by the number of people offering their time, their expertise or their space to support this grassroots festival,” bookseller Annie Waters says. “Now that we are opening up the call to the wider community, we can't wait to see what kind of creative events will occur. We do ask that events have a registration page even if they are free so that they can be shared; that all writers involved are paid at ASA rates; and that the events are organised in the spirit of the festival: highlighting the importance of literary conversations in South Australia. Watch this space – or, better yet, be a part of it.” To find out more about getting involved in Constellations, follow these links:Guidelines for EventsEvent Involvement and Support FormDonations

Police are investigating a car fire at McLaren Vale which caused a grassfire.Just after 11pm, Thursday 29 January, a black Mercedes sedan parked on Chalk Hill Road, Mclaren Vale when it was set alight. The fire spread to nearby grassland.CFS crews quickly extinguished the blaze which caused extensive damage to the vehicle.Police established the car had been stolen from a Seaford Rise address earlier that evening.Crime Scene Investigation will be attending this morning to examine the scene.Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or suspicious activity in the area is asked to call Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 0000.27640 / 027667

Concerned locals have set up a Go Fund Me page to support Wildlife Welfare Org SA search out and care for wildlife affected by the Tooperang bushfire.The Goolwa-based charity has been working with other wildlife groups to access the fire ground near Mount Compass that occurred on Sunday 18 January.The fire burnt over 685 hectares including three homes, property, farmland and livestock.The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and National Parks firefighters continue to monitor the area.Mosquito Hill resident Rosalie Langley says she started the Go Fund Me page after talking to neighbours and local businesses about how they could all help. “Many of the animals will be suffering from burnt feet and smoke inhalation, and very sadly there will be some very heart breaking scenes as the wildlife organisations go about dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy,” she says.“I decided to fundraise this way for Wildlife Welfare Organisation (WWO), based in Goolwa, as they are our regional rescue and welfare organisation whose volunteers have already given up hours of time in order to search for any wildlife that may need help for weeks after this event.”Rosalie says WWO have reported that as the fire was relatively slow moving many animals were able to escape, but kangaroos have been badly affected and had to be euthanised.WWO cares for more than 1,200 native animals every year and answer more than 3,000 phone calls on its 24/7 rescue hotline. The small team at WWO is trained to rescue, rehabilitate and release native wildlife and cares for all animals including marsupials, reptiles, native birds and specialises in marine and seabirds.Anyone who wants to donate to the Go Fund Me effort can do so online. Rosalie suggests that another way to support WWO is to donate and shop or volunteer at its op shops in Goolwa and Victor Harbor.For more information on how to access assistance following the Tooperang bushfire, Alexandrina Council has compiled a list of Community Recovery Resources comprising health, business and finance, livestock and landcare.

The Flinders Legal Centre will offer free, confidential legal advice in Victor Harbor during two sessions in February.The service, operated by Flinders University, offers legal advice on a broad range of civil and commercial matters. This may include neighbourhood disputes, residential tenancies, debt recovery processes, contract disputes, property settlement, minor civil claims and more.The advice will be provided by law student interns under close supervision of qualified lawyers. The team will be in Victor Harbor on Wednesday 4 February and Wednesday 11 February.To request an appointment, complete a Flinders Legal Centre appointment enquiry form online. 

South Australia Police advises that it is currently experiencing technical difficulties receiving calls to the Police Assistance Line (131 444).  At this stage, the issue appears to be isolated to callers using the Vodafone mobile network.The matter is under urgent investigation, and SA Police is working with its partners to restore normal service as quickly as possible.Members of the community in South Australia who are unable to reach 131 444 are asked to:Use a landline or a mobile device on another network where possible; orIn an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).This issue does not affect calls to Triple Zero (000), which continues to operate normally.Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Works to improve more than 30 South Australian wetlands and restore vital habitat are underway through a joint $17 million government program.The Shorebird and Wetland Habitat (SaWH) program will support sites across the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth – including the internationally recognised Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar wetland – as well as South East regions.Spanning 25 projects across 35 wetland sites and 120 kilometres of habitat, the program covers a diverse range of plants and animals in a region encompassing the Lower Murray River ecosystem – recently listed as critically endangered.The funding will help deliver new infrastructure for better water management, improve critical breeding habitat for foraging waterbirds and other threatened species, and strengthen weed control and protection of key species by reducing threats from feral foxes and cats and screening for pest fish.Examples of projects building on habitat restoration and resilience activities include:Mundoo Island Station acquisition: Located at an important ecological and cultural site at the Murray Mouth, the former cattle and sheep station will be transformed from a grazing property and added into an expanded Coorong National Park.Following the acquisition announced this month, the site will undergo significant wetland restoration and rehabilitation in an Ramsar listed area which supports dozens of migratory bird species. Protecting critical habitat of beach-nesting shorebirds and seabirds in the Coorong: Led by Birdlife Australia, the project will protect vulnerable fairy tern and eastern hooded plover breeding colonies at the Murray Mouth and along a 28-kilometre stretch of the Coorong Ocean Beach.Partnering with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, the team will install fencing and signage and engage the local community to give the birds every chance of a successful breeding season.Inlet upgrade at Butchers Lake: Led by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, the project will replace the old regulator at Butchers Lake, south of Kingston, to improve water level management and increase water availability, creating sustainable foraging habitats.Enhancing habitat and hydrology in the Grey Creek Channel network on Kumarangk, Hindmarsh Island: Led by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, covering 16 hectares of wetland habitat and an area of the Grey Creek Channel, the project will improve water flow with the removal of old crossings and reeds as well as the lowering of a ford to allow for the re-introduction of native threatened fish species.Improved connectivity to Hunters Creek will encourage visitation by waterbirds and provide habitat for aquatic plants, frogs and turtles.Mount Burr Swamp Habitat Restoration Reserve: Led by Nature Glenelg Trust, construction of a small, flow-regulating structure will expand the wetland habitat by up to 40 hectares and prevent mosquitofish from migrating into the restored environment and preying on the eggs and tadpoles of the vulnerable southern bell frog.Revegetation works in the reserve will establish fringing habitats for threatened birds, such as the Australasian bittern, and native species like the brolga.The South Australian Department for Environment and Water will work closely with local community groups, landholders and Landscape Boards to help plan and deliver the projects and ensure habitat restoration targeting smaller wetlands cumulatively have a large impact across each region.First Nations groups will also be consulted to connect to Country and meet cultural obligations while supporting the long-term future of healthy shorebird populations and wetland habitat.State Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood says:“The Coorong, Lower Lakes, Murray Mouth and South East regions are recognised globally for their biodiversity and wetlands of environmental significance.“This program will restore and create vital shorebird habitat, provide foraging and breeding environments for at-risk species and improve wetland ecosystems needed for the Murray-Darling Basin.“It builds on the projects already underway across our regions so they can become more resilient and continue to support the wildlife who calls them home.”The SaWH program is funded by the federal government and delivered by the state government.For a list of projects, visit the Department for Environment and Water - Shorebird and Wetland Habitat website.

Motorists are advised to stay alert and drive safely on Thursday, January 29, with mobile speed cameras scheduled to operate across South Australia, including regional and high-traffic areas.As summer holidays begin to wind down, traffic remains steady on many roads. Police continue to focus on road safety, using mobile speed detection units to encourage responsible driving and reduce the risk of speed-related incidents.Whether you're back at work, heading away for a short break, or simply moving through your daily routine, remember to follow posted speed limits and stay focused behind the wheel.The full list of speed camera locations for Thursday, January 29, is provided below.ALDINGA BEACH RD, ALDINGA BEACHBALDOCK RD, INGLE FARMBEOVICH RD, INGLE FARMBLACKS RD, GILLES PLAINSCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDDALKEITH RD, SEAFORD RISEEAST PKWY, LIGHTSVIEWESPLANADE, ALDINGA BEACHFOSTERS RD, OAKDENGRAND BVD, SEAFORD RISEGRAND JUNCTION RD, HOPE VALLEYGRANTS GULLY RD, CLARENDONKANGARILLA RD, KANGARILLAKELLY RD, VALLEY VIEWLYONS RD, HOLDEN HILLOAKLEY RD, MCLAREN FLATOLD COACH RD, MASLIN BEACHPETERS CREEK RD, KUITPOPORT RD, ALDINGARESEARCH RD, POORAKASEAFORD RD, SEAFORDSEAVIEW RD, MCLAREN VALESIR ROSS SMITH BVD, OAKDENSOUTH TCE, POORAKAWANDANA AVE, GILLES PLAINSCountry traffic camera locations now until February 8, 2026:ALBERT RD, MOUNT BARKERALEXANDRINA RD, CURRENCY CREEKALEXANDRINA RD, CURRENCY CREEKALEXANDRINA RD, FINNISSASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNAUGUSTA HWY, WARNERTOWNAUGUSTA HWY, PORT WAKEFIELDAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELAUGUSTA HWY, REDHILLAUGUSTA HWY, SNOWTOWNAUGUSTA HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKBALHANNAH RD, HAHNDORFBARKER RD, MOUNT BARKERBARRIER HWY, HANSONBARRIER HWY, BURRABARUNGA GAP RD, SNOWTOWNBATTUNGA RD, ECHUNGABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSCHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCHATFIELD TCE, WALLAROOCOPPER COAST HWY, PORT WAKEFIELDDASHWOOD GULLY RD, MEADOWSDRUIDS AVE, MOUNT BARKERFLAXLEY RD, MOUNT BARKERGOOLWA RD, CURRENCY CREEKGOYDER HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKGREENHILL RD, SUMMERTOWNGREY TCE, PORT PIRIEHORROCKS HWY, TARLEEHORROCKS HWY, RHYNIEHORROCKS HWY, AUBURNHUGHES ST, WALLAROOJUNCTION RD, LITTLEHAMPTONKADINA RD, WALLAROOLONG VALLEY RD, WISTOWLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN NORTH RD, CLAREMAIN RD, PORT PIRIEMARY ELIE ST, PORT PIRIEMOUNT BARKER RD, HAHNDORFNAIRNE RD, WOODSIDENEAGLES ROCK RD, CLAREONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD, WOODSIDEPRINCES HWY, LITTLEHAMPTONSENATE RD, PORT PIRIE WESTSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNVENABLES ST, MACCLESFIELDWANDEARAH RD, PORT PIRIE SOUTHWELLINGTON RD, MOUNT BARKERWELLINGTON RD, WISTOW

Police are investigating a car fire at Noarlunga Downs.About 3.46am on Wednesday 7 January, a grey Ford Ranger was parked on the side of Barcelona Road when it has been set alight.MFS crews extinguished the blaze which caused extensive damage to the vehicle.The suspect was last seen running north along Barcelona Road.Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or suspicious activity in the area is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au006071

The CFS is on scene at a residential structure fire in Goolwa South in the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.35 CFS volunteers on 7 trucks, supported by the Metropolitan Fire Service, are on scene working to extinguish the fire and have prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent properties.Firefighters are also being supported by SA Police and SA Ambulance Service.The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.A smoke advice was issued for the area but is no longer current.Crews will remain on scene into the afternoon assisting fire cause investigators.

Issued on28 Jan 2026 12:37Warning areaGoolwa South and Goolwa in the Southern Fleurieu.Warning levelAdvice - Avoid SmokeActionSmoke from Goolwa South house fire is in the Goolwa South and Goolwa area.Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.What you should doStay indoors as much as possible.Close windows, doors, and air vents (this may only assist with reduced exposure for hours or a few days, as outside air will eventually enter the home).Use appropriate air conditioner settings in the home and vehicles to prevent outside air coming in.Spend time in air-conditioned venues, like cinemas, shopping centres and libraries.Reduce indoor sources of air pollution, such as smoking, cooking with gas, burning candles or vacuum cleaning.Avoid vigorous outdoor activities, especially if you have asthma or other chronic lung or heart conditions.People with existing heart or lung conditions, people over 65 years of age, children 14 years and younger (especially those with asthma), pregnant and breastfeeding people and people with diabetes are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke and should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor.Stay informedCFS website cfs.sa.gov.auInformation Hotline 1800 362 361For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361For teletype service TTY 133 677 then ask for 1800 362 361CFS on Facebook or XAlert SA Mobile AppOn local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast PartnersFor emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

Four youths were arrested after crashing a stolen car on Victor Harbor Road, Hindmarsh Valley today.About 9.15am Wednesday 28 January, an off-duty police member spotted a stolen Ford ute being driven in Nairne. The car had been stolen from a Morphett Vale address earlier today.PolAir responded and tracked the vehicle. Police successfully spiked the ute's tyres on Victor Harbor Road.The car continued driving on its rims for a distance before side swiping a Mercedes sedan and coming to a stop. Police quickly arrested four youths as they tried to flee.The driver of the Mercedes was not injured.A 16-year-old Morphett Vale boy, a 16-year-old Mount Barker boy, a 16-year-old Nairne boy and a 14-year-old Campbelltown girl were all charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle.The stolen car was towed from the scene for forensic examination.025749

With the deadline looming for public feedback on the City of Victor Harbor draft Recreational Boating Strategy, the Friends of Hindmarsh River Estuary Group is urging people to have a say.The group says the strategy includes a Gold Coast–Style Marina for Eastern Beach, posting to Facebook about the completely inappropriate development.“The proposed marina footprint is larger than Victor Harbor Central, stretching from behind the skate park past Qahwa Café to the tennis courts.“It would permanently remove public coastal space, damage seagrass beds, increase erosion risk, and place pressure on already stressed marine ecosystems.“Similar marinas have a history of ongoing financial losses, meaning long-term costs are likely to fall on local ratepayers — even though most residents would receive no direct benefit.“This site has already been rejected twice in the past due to environmental concerns.City of Victor Harbor has released its draft Recreational Boating Strategy for public consultation in early December. The council says it was developed with input from the Boating and Marine Facilities Advisory Group and key stakeholders and outlines a long-term vision for safer, sustainable and fit-for-purpose boating facilities across Victor Harbor.It includes proposed upgrades to existing ramps and the investigation of a new Eastern Boat Ramp and associated marina facilities.The strategy can be viewed on the council website; the deadline for public feedback is 5pm on Friday 30 January.

South Australia’s emergency search and rescue response capability will be significantly strengthened with nine new remotely piloted aircraft (drones) introduced by the State Emergency Service (SES).Kangaroo Island and Noarlunga are two of the locations to host the upgraded drones, which replace ageing equipment and are part of a $2 million 2025-26 state budget program to modernise SES aerial reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and hazard assessment capabilities. The SES now operates one of the largest emergency service drone fleets in South Australia. The drones provide real-time aerial vision, thermal imaging to locate people in low visibility environments and access to hazardous locations without placing first responders at risk. The new drones have:Extended flight times through improved battery capacity and rapid charging.Multiple high-resolution visual cameras and infrared thermal capability.Integrated spotlights and loudspeakers to improve visibility and communication.AI-enabled recognition of people, vehicles, and boats.Smart mapping and terrain modelling to enhance tracking and situational awareness.The SES has about 50 drones across South Australia. In 2025, SES drones were deployed more than 500 times to support emergency operations, most commonly assisting SAPOL with missing person searches, where time-critical aerial intelligence can save lives. Six of the new drones will be regionally based in Port Lincoln, Quorn, Ceduna, Port Pirie, Gawler, and Kangaroo Island, with the remaining three based in Adelaide. The SES will continue expanding its aerial search capability in 2026, with a six-month microdrone trial. Ten lightweight microdrones, each weighing less than 250 grams, will be deployed across six regional and four metropolitan SES units, enabling rapid deployment directly from response vehicles. The trial locations include Kimba, Clare, Copper Coast, Western Adelaide, Salisbury, Campbelltown, Noarlunga, Kingston, Berri, and Kapunda. Kristy Phelps, Chief Officer for the State Emergency Service, says drone technology is rapidly evolving and the demand for their use in operations continues to increase each year.  “As an agency we rely on volunteers to help protect our communities and help those in need. “We know not everyone can or wants to go on a truck, but having a capability such as being a drone pilot is a specialist skill that we will need more of in the future.  “If people are interested in becoming a volunteer and becoming involved with our remote pilot aircraft program, we encourage you to visit our website or call us on 8130 0350.” Brad Flew, SES Chief Remote Pilot, says drones are now an integral part of the SES’ search and rescue capability, and their technology has evolved significantly since the SES started using them in 2018. “However, drones often operate in incredibly challenging conditions and as they get older, they become more expensive to repair and their technology becomes outdated. “These replacement units not only offer improved capabilities in terms of flight times and capturing images, but they also have more safety features to minimise the risk of an accident when flying.”Training for SES Remote Aircraft Pilots on the microdrones will begin in February, ensuring the technology can be safely and effectively integrated into frontline operations.

The toughest breeder licencing scheme in the nation is being implemented to support the state government’s ban on large-scale puppy farms and hold irresponsible breeders to account. South Australians can have their say on the scheme – which was a key election commitment – setting out minimum standards for the management of breeding animals with stronger penalties, helping to stamp out cruel practices in the sector.  Under the changes, breeders will undergo a rigorous assessment to obtain a licence – including providing a detailed history and background checks. A licence will not be granted if an applicant, or spouse/partner, has been convicted of certain offences.The reforms also enable breeder licences to be suspended and cancelled for non-compliance – with penalties increased to a maximum of $10,000.It builds on new laws passed in June to prevent puppy factories from being set up in SA and regulations currently in place that limit how many dogs a breeder can house.The public are encouraged to provide feedback on stricter limits proposed under the new breeder licencing scheme, including:Twenty female dogs per breeding facility/site.Fifty female dogs per breeding program, enabling oversight for larger breeding programs where animals are housed at multiple locations.A maximum of five litters per breeding female.A maximum of two litters every 18 months per breeding female.A minimum breeding age of 12 months and maximum of six years.Individual limits on the number of female dogs will be applied to each breeder’s licence, based on information provided during the application process.Mandatory reporting of each litter has also been introduced.RSPCA SA Head of Animal Welfare Andrea Lewis has welcomed the changes, saying animal welfare should be the cornerstone of any breeding operation, regardless of the species. “Having attended puppy farms alongside RSPCA inspectors and witnessing some of the worst conditions in which animals can be housed in – and the lasting harm this causes to mothers and their puppies – RSPCA South Australia welcomes the introduction of these stricter requirements for breeders.“The breeders who are doing the right thing and complying with the Standards and Guidelines for breeding and trading should also be appreciative that poor quality, substandard conditions should not be tolerated in modern society.”To help shape the reforms, visit the YourSAy site. Consultation is open until Friday 13 February.The new breeder licencing scheme is expected to take effect early next year, allowing time for upgraded processes and systems to be developed. 

The City of Victor Harbor has begun community consultation for its South Coast Future Ready Strategy, inviting residents, families, businesses and community groups to help shape a strong and sustainable future for the region.The community is invited to have a say on the future of housing, jobs, services and liveability in the town of Victor Harbor and the surrounding region.The council says the south coast region is experiencing significant change with demographic shifts, rising housing pressure and challenges attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Its strategy aims to respond to these trends by setting out a clear roadmap with actions that will ensure this change is managed sustainably.“Council has planned where our community will grow through its Urban Growth Management Strategy. Now we’re planning how our community will thrive,” says Mayor Moira Jenkins.“This work is about preparing the region for the future and putting things in place that make it easier for people of all ages to find a home, get a job, study locally and enjoy a safe and vibrant place. We know we need to do things differently to achieve all of these things.“To get this right, we need to hear the lived experiences of the people who call the Fleurieu’s south coast home and use these experiences to come up with a set of actions that drive change.”The community is encouraged to participate by completing the Future Ready survey online before 5pm on Friday 27 February. As an added incentive, eligible survey participants will go in the draw to win 1 of 3 $100 Visa gift cards.“Every response helps build a clearer picture of what our community needs for the future. The more voices we hear from, the better the Strategy will be,” Mayor Jenkins says.Throughout February, councillors and the project team will attend local community events and pop‑up listening posts to speak directly with residents. The community is encouraged to stop for a chat and share ideas, concerns and priorities for the region’s future.For more information about the South Coast Future Ready Strategy, including upcoming engagement activities, visit the council website or contact the City of Victor Harbor on 8551 0500.