Finniss MP David Basham has rejected comments made by the Premier in State Parliament that questioned his leadership and commitment to the southern Fleurieu community during the harmful algal bloom crisis.The Shadow Minister for Environment and Water says the comments were made during Question Time last Wednesday 11 November in response to a question about the state government’s handling of the natural disaster.This follows release of a Senate inquiry report that found the state government was unprepared for the harmful algal bloom due to a lack of long-term ecological monitoring. Mr Basham says the Premier attacked his character rather than addressing the substance of the question in a manner that was, “false, unnecessary and deeply disrespectful to the people of Finniss.” He says the attack was not just aimed at him, “it was an attack on the genuine concerns raised by businesses, councils and residents along our coastline.“To suggest that I somehow failed my community is simply untrue. Every question I ask in the Parliament comes directly from the people I represent—and to dismiss those concerns is insulting to my constituents.” Mr Basham says the Premier misrepresented his actions from March to June, the critical early months of the Karenia cristata bloom, ignoring the record of engagement undertaken from the moment the bloom was identified. “From day one, my office sought information, shared government health advice publicly, and offered bipartisanship to the Minister for Environment and the Minister for Health,” he says.“On 17 March, the very first week of the bloom being identified, I requested a health briefing and immediately conveyed that information to the community.” Mr Basham also highlights that he raised the issue formally in Parliament on 3 April and continued to share government agency updates throughout March, April and beyond.“The Premier claimed I wasn’t raising concerns—but the record shows otherwise,” he says. He says politics should never get in the way of keeping communities informed during an environmental crisis.“My community deserves facts, transparency and timely information—not partisan point-scoring.“The harmful algal bloom deeply affected local fishers, tourism operators and coastal residents. My sole focus has been getting them answers and support.” Mr Basham says he will publish a full chronology of his actions on his website. “The Premier may wish to rewrite history, but the people of the Fleurieu know exactly how hard I have been working for them.”The State Liberal Party has announced a $30 million election commitment as a first step towards a Save Our Seas plan to guarantee additional investment in shellfish reefs.It says the marine habitat restoration project will establish an additional 50 hectares of limestone shellfish reefs along South Australia’s coastline and is calling on the federal government to immediately fund an additional 200 hectares of large-scale shellfish reefs to support long term marine ecosystem resilience.  A South Australian Parliamentary inquiry into the harmful algal bloom is continuing.The state election will be held on 21 March 2026.

As the new week continues, drivers are reminded to keep a close eye on their speedometers today, Tuesday, November 18, with mobile speed cameras operating across South Australia.Police speed detection units will be monitoring roads in both metropolitan and regional areas, including the Fleurieu Peninsula. These cameras are part of an ongoing effort to improve road safety by encouraging compliance with speed limits and reducing preventable crashes.Whether you're commuting, heading out for business, or travelling through the region, remember to drive responsibly. The full list of mobile speed camera locations for today is included below.BAINS RD, WOODCROFTBALMORAL RD, DERNANCOURTCLAIRVILLE RD, CAMPBELLTOWNDARLEY RD, PARADISEELIZABETH RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSFLAXMILL RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSGORGE RD, ATHELSTONEGRAVES ST, NEWTONHECTORVILLE RD, HECTORVILLEKOONGA AVE, ROSTREVORMAIN SOUTH RD, HACKHAMMAIN SOUTH RD, HUNTFIELD HEIGHTSMARYVALE RD, ATHELSTONEMEYER RD, LONSDALENORTH EAST RD, MODBURYO'SULLIVAN BEACH RD, LONSDALEO'SULLIVAN BEACH RD, LONSDALEODESSA DR, WOODCROFTREYNELL RD, WOODCROFTSHEREBROOKE BVD, WOODCROFTSIR JAMES HARDY WAY, WOODCROFTSOUTHERN EXP, LONSDALESTRADBROKE RD, ATHELSTONESTRADBROKE RD, NEWTONSTRADBROKE RD, ATHELSTONEThe Country Camera locations: Monday, 10 November 2025 to Sunday, 23 November 2025ADELAIDE RD, MCCRACKENAGERY RD, AGERYARDROSSAN RD, MAITLANDARMSTRONG RD, VICTOR HARBORASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELBALAKLAVA RD, BALAKLAVABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSBAY RD, MOONTABEACH RD, COOBOWIEBEACH RD, GOOLWA BEACHBLANCHE TCE, MOONTACHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCOAST RD, MOONTA BAYCOPPER COAST HWY, PASKEVILLECOPPER COAST HWY, KADINACOPPER COAST HWY, KULPARACROZIER RD, VICTOR HARBORFENCHURCH ST, GOOLWAFLAGSTAFF HILL RD, MIDDLETONGOOLWA RD, MIDDLETONGWY TCE, BALAKLAVAHUGHES ST, WALLAROOKADINA RD, WALLAROOLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN SOUTH RD, DELAMEREMAIN SOUTH RD, MYPONGAMAIN SOUTH RD, YANKALILLAMAIN SOUTH RD, WATTLE FLATMAIN SOUTH RD, NORMANVILLEMAIN SOUTH RD, SECOND VALLEYMAIN ST, MINLATONMAITLAND RD, MINLATONMAWSON RD, MEADOWSMINLATON RD, MINLATONNORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, GOOLWA BEACHRUSSELL ST, KADINASEAVIEW RD, VICTOR HARBORSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSPENCER HWY, ALFORDSPENCER HWY, PORT BROUGHTONST VINCENT HWY, PINE POINTTOTTENHAM COURT RD, PORT ELLIOTTRAEGER RD, BALAKLAVAVICTORIA ST, VICTOR HARBORWAITPINGA RD, WAITPINGAYORKE HWY, CURRAMULKAYORKE HWY, ARDROSSAN

Three years after a catastrophic storm flooded parts of Middleton, Alexandrina Council has scheduled remediation works for a section of Middleton Creek.Contractors will start construction of a gabion rock retaining wall near the Mill Terrace footbridge in late November.The project has been designed to prevent further erosion of the escarpment along the creek bank, identified as a risk following the major storm event.Middleton caravan park and the medical practice went under water in the November 12 downpour, with many other businesses and households affected when more than 60mm of rain was dumped on the south coast in two hours.The gabion rock wall will be built 3m high and approximately 13m long; the work is expected to be finished in late January 2026, weather permitting.Some traffic and pedestrian restrictions will apply during some parts of the wall construction, with traffic management in place.Visit the Alexandrina Council website for details of current and completed projects. 

Three men, including one from the south coast,  have been charged for allegedly interfering with protected bottlenose dolphins in two separate incidents at Seacliff and Brighton on 10 August.A Belair man, 19, has been charged with two counts of using a jet ski to interfere with or harass a protected animal and two counts of using a jet ski to undertake or continue an act or activity in relation to a protected animal.A Glengowrie man, 20, has been charged with one count of using a jet ski to interfere with or harass, a protected animal and one count of using a jet ski to undertake or continue an act or activity in relation to a protected animal.Both men are alleged to have brought their vessels within 300 metres of the dolphins, breaching legal distance requirements.A third man, 20, from Goolwa South, has been charged with one count of using a boat to interfere with or harass a protected animal and one count of using a boat to undertake or continue an act or activity in relation to a protected animal.This man is alleged to have also breached legal distance requirements by bringing the boat to within 50 metres of the dolphins.The men have been charged with offences under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and the National Parks and Wildlife (Protected Animals - Marine Mammals) Regulations 2010.Bottlenose dolphins are a protected species under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, and the maximum penalty for interfering with a marine mammal is a $100,000 fine or imprisonment for 2 years.As part of the investigations, both jet skis and the boat were seized by the Department for Environment and Water.The men are due to appear before the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on 22 December.

Words: Susie WilliamsThanks to Coast Lines magazineGuardians of Granite Island: 25 years of community, conservation and cultivationJust across the Causeway from Victor Harbor lies Granite Island—known as Kaiki in the Ngarrindjeri language—a wind-battered, rugged stretch of land shaped by time and tides. For the past 25 years, a quiet group of volunteers has been helping shape its future. The Friends of Granite Island, or FOGI, have spent every Wednesday morning—rain, shine, or sea mist—pulling weeds, planting natives, guiding school groups, and nurturing biodiversity. Their mission is simple: restore the island’s natural ecosystem, one plant and one conversation at a time.FOGI is one of more than 140 community groups across South Australia that form the Friends of Parks and Nature network. Backed by the Department for Environment and Water and working alongside the National Parks and Wildlife Service, these volunteer groups form the living, breathing heart of conservation in the state. Each group, like FOGI, brings passion, local knowledge and persistence to the long-term care of parks, reserves and coastline.Among the familiar faces on the island is Stephen Hedges, a long-time tour guide and BirdLab field assistant. Stephen began working with penguins on the island in 2001 and has been a regular part of FOGI’s efforts ever since. He speaks about the landscape with a kind of reverence—as something both fragile and enduring. “There are old photos from a hundred years ago where the island was completely cleared,” he says. “No trees, no shrubs—airplanes even used to land on top. What we’re doing now is trying to reverse that, to give the land some of its strength back.”Revegetation lies at the heart of this mission. Over the years, volunteers have worked hard to remove invasive species and replace them with hardy native sedges, saltbush, and low-growing coastal shrubs that can thrive in the island’s tough conditions. The work isn’t glamorous—it’s muddy, repetitive and often wind-whipped. But the results, as Stephen points out, are slow and deeply satisfying. “Plants don’t shout for attention,” he says, “but if you look back over time, suddenly it’s greener, softer, more alive.”FOGI’s work isn’t just for the environment—it’s also about people. Local school groups regularly visit the island as part of a hands-on education program supported by grants and community partnerships. The process begins in the classroom, with lessons about the link between land and sea, and ends on the island with students digging, planting and learning from experience. “It’s a highlight for all of us,” says Stephen. “To see kids kneeling in the dirt, planting a future, learning how everything connects—it stays with them. Some may come back as adults and remember the exact spot where they planted something.”There’s also something quietly powerful in the diversity of experiences and knowledge each volunteer brings. “It’s not just what we do, but who we are. Everyone brings their own background and insight—people you might not meet otherwise.” He speaks especially of Andrew, one of the founding members, a retired geology school teacher and the grandson of the island’s former harbourmaster. “He’s fired a whole new interest in me about the island’s rocks and history—how the past shapes the present, not just in the soil, but in the stories we share. That kind of connection is what makes this group special.”That sense of connection—between people, place, and purpose—was at the heart of FOGI’s 25-year celebration earlier this year. The group marked the occasion with a planting morning, service awards, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. Founding members Andrew and Heather Jeffery, still active in the group, were honoured alongside long-serving volunteers including Stephen. “These aren’t just milestones,” he says. “They’re proof that community care works. That passion and patience can outlast almost anything.”FOGI also has plans to bring art into their work, with murals on the island’s utility shed featuring native animals and birds. For Stephen, who was a teacher in a past life, the idea blends creativity with education—another way to connect visitors with the life that’s slowly returning to the island.The group welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels. No experience is necessary—just a willingness to help and an appreciation for nature. Working bees are held every Wednesday morning, typically from 8am to 10am. Tools and good company are provided. For those who can’t join in person, donations are always welcome and go directly toward native plants, educational materials and signage.In an era where conservation often feels like a race against time, the work on Granite Island reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful change comes quietly. A tree planted. A weed removed. A conversation started with a curious visitor. These small acts, repeated over weeks and years, add up to transformation.Stephen says it best: “Every plant we add is a promise—to the land, to the future, to each other. “Interested readers can contact Jean Flamank (mob: 0488 185 484) or visit the Friends of Parks SA website to learn more about joining or supporting a local group.https://friendsofparkssa.org.au/members/members-directory/friends-of-granite-island-recreation-park/

ABC TV Gardening Australia presenter Sophie Thompson will share the joy of gardening at a workshop at Strathalbyn Town Hall on Thursday 27 November.The author and radio broadcaster will discuss how the power of nature and gardens can connect people and help to build stronger communities.She says gardens are more than just green spaces, they can improve wellbeing and contribute to a better physical and emotional environment.This workshop is a collaboration between Alexandrina Council and Second Nature Conservancy. The Wellness in Nature project is supported by Office for Ageing Well, through the 2024-2025 Age Friendly SA grants program, and is also supported by Green Adelaide.The session will run from 10am to 11.30am and costs $5; book tickets via Humanitix.

Motorists are advised to take extra care on the roads this Sunday, November 16, with mobile speed cameras set to operate throughout South Australia, including regional and high-traffic areas.As weekend travel continues, police will be monitoring a wide range of locations to promote safer driving and reduce the risk of speed-related incidents. Whether you're returning from a getaway, out for a drive, or visiting local events, it's important to remain alert and observe the speed limit.Below is the full list of mobile speed camera locations for Sunday. Drive safely and help keep South Australian roads safe for everyone.ALDINGA BEACH RD, ALDINGA BEACHBEOVICH RD, INGLE FARMBLACKS RD, GILLES PLAINSCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDESPLANADE, SEAFORDGORGE RD, ATHELSTONEGRAND BVD, SEAFORD RISEGRAND JUNCTION RD, GILLES PLAINSGRAND JUNCTION RD, HOPE VALLEYGRIFFITHS DR, MOANAHECTORVILLE RD, HECTORVILLEKELLY RD, MODBURYLYONS RD, HOLDEN HILLMARYVALE RD, ATHELSTONEMONTAGUE RD, PARA VISTANORTH EAST RD, ST AGNESOLD COACH RD, MASLIN BEACHPORT RD, PORT WILLUNGAPORT RD, ALDINGARESEARCH RD, POORAKARIVER RD, PORT NOARLUNGASEAFORD RD, SEAFORDSIR ROSS SMITH BVD, OAKDENWANDANA AVE, GILLES PLAINSWRIGHT RD, INGLE FARMThe Country Camera locations: Monday, 10 November 2025 to Sunday, 23 November 2025ADELAIDE RD, MCCRACKENAGERY RD, AGERYARDROSSAN RD, MAITLANDARMSTRONG RD, VICTOR HARBORASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELBALAKLAVA RD, BALAKLAVABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSBAY RD, MOONTABEACH RD, COOBOWIEBEACH RD, GOOLWA BEACHBLANCHE TCE, MOONTACHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCOAST RD, MOONTA BAYCOPPER COAST HWY, PASKEVILLECOPPER COAST HWY, KADINACOPPER COAST HWY, KULPARACROZIER RD, VICTOR HARBORFENCHURCH ST, GOOLWAFLAGSTAFF HILL RD, MIDDLETONGOOLWA RD, MIDDLETONGWY TCE, BALAKLAVAHUGHES ST, WALLAROOKADINA RD, WALLAROOLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN SOUTH RD, DELAMEREMAIN SOUTH RD, MYPONGAMAIN SOUTH RD, YANKALILLAMAIN SOUTH RD, WATTLE FLATMAIN SOUTH RD, NORMANVILLEMAIN SOUTH RD, SECOND VALLEYMAIN ST, MINLATONMAITLAND RD, MINLATONMAWSON RD, MEADOWSMINLATON RD, MINLATONNORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, GOOLWA BEACHRUSSELL ST, KADINASEAVIEW RD, VICTOR HARBORSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSPENCER HWY, ALFORDSPENCER HWY, PORT BROUGHTONST VINCENT HWY, PINE POINTTOTTENHAM COURT RD, PORT ELLIOTTRAEGER RD, BALAKLAVAVICTORIA ST, VICTOR HARBORWAITPINGA RD, WAITPINGAYORKE HWY, CURRAMULKAYORKE HWY, ARDROSSAN

A driver lost her licence for 12 months after being caught drink driving at Aldinga Beach overnight.Police pulled the driver over for a mobile driver test on Quinliven Road, Aldinga Beach about 12.30am on Saturday 15 November.The driver, a 60-year-old Aldinga Beach woman, recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.178 - more than three times the legal limit.She was reported for drink driving and issued with a 12-month instant loss of licence.  Her vehicle was impounded for 28 days and she will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.294557

Federal independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie will be the guest speaker at another forum on ageing well on the Fleurieu in Victor Harbor on Wednesday 19 November.Other speakers will include Doreen Salon from the Office of Ageing Well, Kristina Walsh for the Compassionate Communities Collaborative and two independent candidates for the state seat of Finniss, Lou Nicholson and Bronwyn Lewis.There will also be speakers on diet and nutrition, exercise physiology and mental health. Hosted by the South Coast Progressive Women’s Group, this free community forum will be held at the Christian Gospel Centre on George Main Road and will run from 2pm to 5pm.Afternoon tea will be provided. To attend RSVP via email.

After a year’s hiatus, the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic will officially return in 2026 and will celebrate 20 years of showcasing motoring heritage, fine wine, and community spirit, with entries now open.The popular car parade event will roll through the heart of McLaren Vale on Sunday 12 April, bringing together hundreds of vintage and classic vehicles on the Main Street, along with local wineries, live entertainment, and family fun.A brand-new, Vintage & Classic charity party will be held at Chalk Hill on the night before the parade on Saturday 11 April, replacing the traditional charity dinner.Open to the public to enjoy, the charity party will feature live entertainment and a stunning display of cars across the Chalk Hill lawns, creating the perfect atmosphere to kick off the weekend celebrations. A $10 entry fee will apply, with proceeds supporting several local charities, while food and drinks will be available to purchase on the night.Event chairman Nigel Williamson says the milestone year marks the start of a new era for one of South Australia’s most iconic regional events.“We are thrilled to be bringing back the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic, ensuring that we are safeguarding this amazing event for generations to come,” he says.“Our mission is simple – we are passionate volunteers driven to elevate our community by hosting a free event for all ages where the region as a whole benefits.“McLaren Vale is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Events like this, supported by our amazing volunteers and community groups, help bring people from across the state and country to experience and celebrate everything our region has to offer.”He says since its inception in 2006 the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic has drawn thousands of visitors to the region each year, marking it as one of the region’s signature events on the calendar, bringing in people from around South Australia and interstate, especially Victoria, to the heart of McLaren Vale.More than just a car parade, the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic is a strong community festival, highlighting the wonders of the region, where both entrants and guests gather after the parade and enjoy the afternoon.A range of local wineries will once again participate in the event, including:● Lloyd Brothers● Kay Brothers● Hastwell & Lightfoot● Chalk Hill● Leconfield● Shirvington● Serafino● Ekhidna kitchen● Goodison Brewery● PaxtonVehicle owners are encouraged to secure their spot early to be part of this milestone event, and can register to be part of the parade via the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic website.

SA Water will hold two drop-in information sessions, in Myponga and Yankalilla, for the community to learn more about its Reservoirs for Nature project.They will be at Myponga Town Hall on Tuesday 18 November and at Yankalilla Library on Thursday 20 November, both sessions from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.The project will start at Myponga Reservoir next year and the SA Water Environment and Energy team will be available to share information and answer questions.Each session will also include short 15-minute presentations at 4pm and 5.30pm.Everyone is welcome to attend with no booking required.

As the weekend approaches, drivers are reminded to stay alert and travel safely this Friday, November 14, with mobile speed cameras operating across South Australia.Police will be monitoring a range of roads across both regional and metropolitan areas as part of a statewide road safety campaign aimed at reducing speeding and preventing crashes. With many people heading off early for weekend getaways or finishing the workweek, it's crucial to stay within speed limits and drive with care.The full list of mobile speed camera locations for Friday has been released below. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe for everyone.BAINS RD, WOODCROFTCHANDLERS HILL RD, O'HALLORAN HILLCLAIRVILLE RD, CAMPBELLTOWNDARLEY RD, PARADISEDUNROBIN RD, WARRADALEELIZABETH RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSFITZROY TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEFOLKESTONE RD, DOVER GARDENSGORGE RD, ATHELSTONEGRANT RD, REYNELLAGRAVES ST, NEWTONHECTORVILLE RD, HECTORVILLEKOONGA AVE, ROSTREVORLEFEVRE TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEMAGILL RD, MAGILLMAIN SOUTH RD, OLD NOARLUNGAMAIN SOUTH RD, REYNELLAMAIN SOUTH RD, HUNTFIELD HEIGHTSMAIN SOUTH RD, O'HALLORAN HILLMARYVALE RD, ATHELSTONEMORTON RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSOSMOND TCE, NORWOODPIMPALA RD, WOODCROFTWALKERVILLE TCE, GILBERTONWAR MEMORIAL DR, NORTH ADELAIDEThe Country Camera locations: Monday, 10 November 2025 to Sunday, 23 November 2025ADELAIDE RD, MCCRACKENAGERY RD, AGERYARDROSSAN RD, MAITLANDARMSTRONG RD, VICTOR HARBORASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELBALAKLAVA RD, BALAKLAVABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSBAY RD, MOONTABEACH RD, COOBOWIEBEACH RD, GOOLWA BEACHBLANCHE TCE, MOONTACHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCOAST RD, MOONTA BAYCOPPER COAST HWY, PASKEVILLECOPPER COAST HWY, KADINACOPPER COAST HWY, KULPARACROZIER RD, VICTOR HARBORFENCHURCH ST, GOOLWAFLAGSTAFF HILL RD, MIDDLETONGOOLWA RD, MIDDLETONGWY TCE, BALAKLAVAHUGHES ST, WALLAROOKADINA RD, WALLAROOLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN SOUTH RD, DELAMEREMAIN SOUTH RD, MYPONGAMAIN SOUTH RD, YANKALILLAMAIN SOUTH RD, WATTLE FLATMAIN SOUTH RD, NORMANVILLEMAIN SOUTH RD, SECOND VALLEYMAIN ST, MINLATONMAITLAND RD, MINLATONMAWSON RD, MEADOWSMINLATON RD, MINLATONNORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, GOOLWA BEACHRUSSELL ST, KADINASEAVIEW RD, VICTOR HARBORSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSPENCER HWY, ALFORDSPENCER HWY, PORT BROUGHTONST VINCENT HWY, PINE POINTTOTTENHAM COURT RD, PORT ELLIOTTRAEGER RD, BALAKLAVAVICTORIA ST, VICTOR HARBORWAITPINGA RD, WAITPINGAYORKE HWY, CURRAMULKAYORKE HWY, ARDROSSAN

Southern District Police are investigating the theft of a radar used to find underground assets before you dig.Between 9.05 and 9.15 am on Thursday September 11th, the Lecia DS2000 Detection Radar pictured below, was stolen from Navigation Street, Seaford Meadows.Anyone who has knowledge of the location of the equipment or details of the theft is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote reference 235007.

Visitors to Onkaparinga’s most popular playgrounds, parks and community centres will get handy visual reminders to be SunSmart thanks to a South Australian-first partnership between the council and Cancer Council SA.The council says subtle yet engaging pavement stickers have been installed in prominent locations at 12 parks and playgrounds, and eight community centres in the City of Onkaparinga through the inaugural SunSmart Parks project.The decals feature Cancer Council’s iconic Sid the seagull and his Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide message to help protect people from skin cancer, plus links and QR codes to receive UV alerts and live UV levels tailored to specific locations.When UV levels reach three and above, it’s recommended to protect skin with these five simple and effective ways for maximum protection, reducing the risk of developing skin cancer – an almost entirely preventable disease that kills more than 2,000 Australians each year:Slip on sun-protective clothing.Slop on SPF 50 or 50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears, and neck.Seek shade whenever possible.Slide on wrap-around sunglasses.City of Onkaparinga CEO Phu Nguyen and Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Kerry Rowlands celebrated the launch of the SunSmart Parks Project at Niipu-niipu Wama/Morton Park on 7 November.Mr Nguyen says the SunSmart Parks Project will ensure thousands of residents and visitors receive vital, life-saving reminders when they need them most.“Our community loves its parks, playgrounds and community centres, and the new visual cues will remind people to protect themselves while enjoying these vibrant and inclusive places.“We have 11 community centres and manage about 250 playgrounds with a policy guiding our shade provision. The new pavement stickers complement any shade onsite, providing expert, timely advice that supports healthy, thriving people.”Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Kerry Rowlands says with 2-in-3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, Cancer Council SA is delighted to partner with the City of Onkaparinga to help spread the SunSmart message to the local community.“Not only is sun protection vital to reducing your own risk of skin cancer, but role modelling SunSmart behaviours for our children sets them up to take those practices into adulthood, reducing their risk too.“As we head into summer, with families starting to spend more time outdoors, these stickers are an important reminder to the community to check the UV and when it’s 3 and above, protect your skin using a combination of the 5 sun protection measures – slip on sun protective clothing, slop on SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen, slap on a broadbrimmed or bucket hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.“We applaud the City of Onkaparinga for spearheading this first-of-its-kind project to empower their community to reduce their skin cancer risk and hope this inspires similar initiatives across the state.” Visit the Cancer Council website for more information.

McLaren Flat’s Maxwell Wines has been named a global winner in the prestigious 2026 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in France, for its outstanding food and wine offerings. Presented at the Great Wine Capitals (GWC) Gala Dinner in Bordeaux, the awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism across the world’s most renowned wine regions.The judges praised Maxwell Wines for raising the bar for culinary experiences in South Australia, commending it for making three-hatted dining accessible in a cellar door setting through the introduction of a snack menu to enhance the wine tasting experience. “Bite sized snacks curated by award winning restaurant chefs, are exquisitely presented as if in a fine dining restaurant enticing visitors back for more.” South Australia’s six Best Of Wine Tourism Award winners were recognised on the global stage and will be in the running for a People’s Choice Award, open for public voting around the world in late November. The awards were part of the GWC Annual General Meeting and Conference. This year’s conference opened with two significant announcements. Jo Collins, Executive Director of Industry, Strategy and Partnerships at the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), was unanimously elected President of the global network for the next two years. South Australian wine producers were also celebrated at an international showcase event including Chalk Hill, Pewsey Vale, Seppeltsfield, Shaw + Smith, Sidewood Estate, and Yangarra Estate Vineyard.In addition, as part of the state government’s partnership with Bordeaux’s iconic La Cité du Vin world wine museum, which attracts around 400,000 visitors annually, South Australian wineries are featured for visitors to sample including Penfolds, Bremerton Wines, Claymore Wines, Freestone Estate, Knappstein Wines, Laughing Jack Wines, Saint-Clar Estate, Sidewood Estate, St Mary’s Vineyard Penola and Wirra Wirra.Mawson MP Leon Bignell says it is fantastic to see Maxwell Wines being honoured on the global stage. “Mark Maxwell was born and raised in the oldest cottage in McLaren Vale and his family business has been a stalwart of fine wine and food for decades. I'm so happy for the Maxwell family and their team who exude excellence in everything they do. Jeremy Maxwell is the current General Manager of Maxwell Wines. “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised on a global level for our culinary experiences - it’s a reflection of the passion and dedication that drives our team. “This award celebrates our commitment to excellence, and our snack menu has been a key part of that vision. It gives guests another way to experience the estate and connect with what makes McLaren Vale so special. “To be acknowledged among the best in the world reinforces our belief in the enduring appeal of South Australian wine tourism.”The GWC Global Network world-leading wine regions that share a key economic and cultural asset: their internationally renowned wine tourism industry. Member regions include Adelaide (South Australia), Bordeaux (France), Bilbao-Rioja (Spain), Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand), Lausanne (Switzerland), Mainz-Rheinhessen (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal), San Francisco–Napa Valley (USA), Valparaíso–Casablanca Valley (Chile) and Verona (Italy). Membership of the network is a partnership between the Government of South Australia, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, and the University of Adelaide.     

This afternoon, CFS crews were called to a tractor fire in a vineyard at Langhorne Creek on the Fleurieu Peninsula.Approximately 20 CFS firefighters arrived to find the fire had spread from the tractor and spray unit into surrounding vineyard.Thanks to their skilled response, crews in breathing apparatus were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further into the vineyard.Unfortunately the tractor and spray unit were completely destroyed with damages estimated at $250,000.Crews were supported by SA Police. Firefighters will remain on scene to finalise mopping up and monitoring for smouldering areas.

Veteran volunteers have spent more than 13,000 hours helping to keep beaches clean across South Australia, as part of the state’s algal bloom response.More than 240 Disaster Relief Australia volunteers from around the country have supported the beach clean-up operations on rotation since the start of September.Established in 2016, Disaster Relief Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that unites the skills and experience of veterans and other dedicated volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters.The organisation’s two-month operation in South Australia ended last week to allow volunteers to prepare for Australia’s upcoming higher-risk weather season, including bushfires, floods and cyclones.During their SA deployment, the volunteers collected about 9,000kg of dead marine life from metropolitan beaches between North Haven and Seacliff.The bulk of the material has been recycled into commercial compost.The Algal Bloom Co-ordination Unit is managing the $6.3 million beach clean-up operations to help local councils and ensure people can continue to enjoy visiting the beach this summer.The clean-up crews are made up of state government staff, workers from private company Goolwa Pipi Co and temporary contractors as required, covering beaches across Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula and parts of Yorke Peninsula.An extra 40 temporary staff will join the crews from this month to replace the Disaster Relief Australia volunteers.The clean-up operations are funded as part of the joint $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan, which also includes daily reports on algal bloom conditions at popular beaches through Surf Life Saving’s Beachsafe app.The toxic algal bloom has affected the southern Fleurieu coast since March and has since spread to much of the state but is yet to be declared a natural disaster.

Motorists are advised to take extra care on the roads today, Wednesday, November 12, with mobile speed cameras operating across South Australia, including the Fleurieu Peninsula and surrounding regions.As part of SAPOL’s ongoing road safety initiative, these mobile detection units are monitoring a range of high-traffic and high-risk areas to reduce speeding and prevent accidents. Whether you're commuting, travelling regionally, or heading into the city, it’s important to be mindful of your speed and road conditions.Below is the full list of mobile speed camera locations for today. Let’s all drive responsibly and help keep our roads safe.ASCOT AVE, VALE PARKBERRIMA RD, SHEIDOW PARKCHANDLERS HILL RD, HAPPY VALLEYCLAIRVILLE RD, CAMPBELLTOWNCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDDEQUETTEVILLE TCE, ADELAIDEDYSON RD, CHRISTIES BEACHEASTON RD, HAPPY VALLEYFITZROY TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEGRAND BVD, SEAFORD RISEGRAVES ST, NEWTONHALLETT RD, STONYFELLHAPPY VALLEY DR, HAPPY VALLEYHARRIS RD, VALE PARKHECTORVILLE RD, HECTORVILLELEFEVRE TCE, NORTH ADELAIDELONSDALE RD, HALLETT COVEMAIN SOUTH RD, O'HALLORAN HILLNOTTAGE TCE, MEDINDIEOSMOND TCE, NORWOODPEACOCK RD, ADELAIDEPERRY BARR RD, HALLETT COVESEAFORD RD, SEAFORDWAR MEMORIAL DR, NORTH ADELAIDEWATTLE ST, FULLARTONThe Country Camera locations: Monday, 10 November 2025 to Sunday, 23 November 2025ADELAIDE RD, MCCRACKENAGERY RD, AGERYARDROSSAN RD, MAITLANDARMSTRONG RD, VICTOR HARBORASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELBALAKLAVA RD, BALAKLAVABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSBAY RD, MOONTABEACH RD, COOBOWIEBEACH RD, GOOLWA BEACHBLANCHE TCE, MOONTACHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCOAST RD, MOONTA BAYCOPPER COAST HWY, PASKEVILLECOPPER COAST HWY, KADINACOPPER COAST HWY, KULPARACROZIER RD, VICTOR HARBORFENCHURCH ST, GOOLWAFLAGSTAFF HILL RD, MIDDLETONGOOLWA RD, MIDDLETONGWY TCE, BALAKLAVAHUGHES ST, WALLAROOKADINA RD, WALLAROOLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN SOUTH RD, DELAMEREMAIN SOUTH RD, MYPONGAMAIN SOUTH RD, YANKALILLAMAIN SOUTH RD, WATTLE FLATMAIN SOUTH RD, NORMANVILLEMAIN SOUTH RD, SECOND VALLEYMAIN ST, MINLATONMAITLAND RD, MINLATONMAWSON RD, MEADOWSMINLATON RD, MINLATONNORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, GOOLWA BEACHRUSSELL ST, KADINASEAVIEW RD, VICTOR HARBORSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSPENCER HWY, ALFORDSPENCER HWY, PORT BROUGHTONST VINCENT HWY, PINE POINTTOTTENHAM COURT RD, PORT ELLIOTTRAEGER RD, BALAKLAVAVICTORIA ST, VICTOR HARBORWAITPINGA RD, WAITPINGAYORKE HWY, CURRAMULKAYORKE HWY, ARDROSSAN

The Department for Housing and Urban Development is proposing to realign the suburb boundaries of Port Noarlunga and Noarlunga Downs and is asking for community feedback.The proposal is to adjust the boundary between Port Noarlunga and Noarlunga Downs to include part of Noarlunga Downs within Port Noarlunga. This change would align the boundary with a future housing development site and may result in address changes for affected residents and businesses. Renewal SA will redevelop the site as a residential community featuring a large-scale housing project.It says the change will create a clearer and more logical boundary resolving the current issue where the existing boundary diagonally intersects the site.A map of the proposed change can be viewed on the City of Onkaparinga website.An opportunity to give feedback will remain open until Monday 1 December.