The school holidays close with a weekend of festivals on the south coast; the SA Wooden Boat Festival in Goolwa and the Southern Surf Festival in Middleton, on Saturday and Sunday 26 and 27 April.Alexandrina Council has given advance notice of road closures and speed restrictions to accommodate both events.Most of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct will be a vehicle-free zone during the Festival, with limited accessible parking for visitors with disabilities available at a designated car park off Porter Street. The Hindmarsh Island Bridge will also be temporarily closed to traffic for a fireworks display on Saturday 26 April at 8.30pm, as part of the Wooden Boat Festival.The bridge will close for an hour from 8pm to 9pm, along with Brooking Street and Randall Road, while the footpath will be closed from 4pm to 9.30pm.In Goolwa, Cutting Lane, Laurie Lane and Dunbar Terrace will be closed to traffic between 8am on 26 April and 5pm on 27 April.For setting up and breaking down the festival there will be a 25km/h speed restriction Cadell Street, Cutting Road, Dunbar Terrace, Dunbar Road and Porter Street.This will apply on Friday 25 April from 8am to 10pm and on from 5pm Sunday 27 April to 5pm Monday 28 April.It will also apply to Cadell Street, between Goolwa Terrace and Goyder Street, during the festival from 8am on Saturday 26 April to 5pm on Sunday 27 April.Limited parking will be available at the Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct.For the Southern Surf Festival Ocean Parade Car Park at Middleton Point will be closed to traffic on Saturday and Sunday 26 and 27 April.A 25km/h speed restriction will apply to Dover Road, Middleton - between Highland Terrace and the Ocean Parade Car Park from 7am on Saturday 26 April to 6pm on Sunday 27 April.A 10km/h speed restriction will apply to Ocean Parade from Middleton Public Car Park to the intersection at Seaview Avenue and Dover Road.For a full list of impacted roads, times and event stage maps, visit the Alexandrina Council website. 

City of Onkaparinga is inviting the community to have its say on proposed mural themes for the Wearing Street Precinct public toilet, in Port Noarlunga. This is a great opportunity to provide input to the development of an artist brief for the site. The precinct features a large shelter and seating area overlooking the Onkaparinga River, creating a welcoming and functional space for visitors.Landscaping includes new trees and turf, while sand placement at the riverbank has improved the aquatic launch area.A ceremony to launch completion of these stage 2 riverbank works will be held on Friday 2 May 2025 from 3pm and the community is invited to join the celebration. With stage 2 complete the council has started planning a cultural space in the dune area next to the new Wearing Street aquatic facilities.It is intended to celebrate the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of the location and educate visitors and provide meaningful experiences that foster appreciation of Kaurna culture and knowledge.Anyone wanting more information or to provide input on the mural design should visit the City of Onkaparinga website by Tuesday 6 May. The Riverfront and Mann Street upgrade is jointly funded by the City of Onkaparinga and a $1.65 million Open Space Grant from the state government.

Alexandrina Council has teamed up with KESAB to offer an insight into where  rubbish ends up, with a free waste and recycling tour.It will go behind the scenes of the Brinkley Waste and Recycling Facility near Murray Bridge on Thursday 15 May.The tour will show what happens to local waste, how different materials are sorted and what can be done to live more sustainably.Open to Alexandrina Council residents, the tour will depart from Goolwa or Strathalbyn and run from 8.50am to 2.15pm; take your own lunch. It is hosted by Alexandrina Council, Adelaide Hills Regional Waste Management Authority and KESAB.For further information and to book a place visit the Alexandrina Council website. 

A new numeracy guarantee that will focus on upskilling teachers and providing resources for parents will be introduced across South Australia in a bid to lift maths results.The guarantee, which follows South Australia’s introduction of a numeracy check for Year 1s in 2026, is part of improvement reforms that make up part of the recently signed Gonski agreement.The state government has committed to increase public school funding by more than $300 million and the federal Government will raise its public schools funding from 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).  This Bilateral Agreement means more money, more resources and more support will be provided to public schools over the next decade to ensure every child, in every school, has a fair go.As part of the agreement, there are key improvement measures that will be focused on, in order to lift results and ensure supports for students are targeted. A major change to South Australia will be the introduction of the numeracy guarantee. South Australia led the charge with ensuring maths improvements were included in the agreement – following its numeracy check trial – and is the first state in the country to have a literacy and numeracy check for Year 1 students. The numeracy guarantee will include:Upskilling for all primary school maths curriculum leaders to drive whole-school maths improvement.A new academy to support all early career teachers in teaching maths more effectively.More professional learning for teachers in maths – starting at preschool and going across year levels. Free online numeracy resources for all parents to use with their children.An improved SA mathematics curriculum so students gain the mathematical knowledge and find joy in maths. Roll out the numeracy check for all Year 1s at public schools.The numeracy guarantee means all public school students having access to a world-leading maths curriculum, with teachers better trained in teaching mathematics, and parents having the tools they need to best support their child with mathematics. The additional funding is also tied to other reforms that will include:Support for students through anti-bullying and violence prevention initiatives. Supporting a strong and sustainable workforce through attraction and retention initiatives, training and mentorship opportunities. More tailored supports such as small group tutoring.Increasing attendance rates. Supporting transitions from school to the workforce. Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer says this agreement is not just for the current generation of public school students, but the next generation and the one after that. “As a state, we identified early on that maths results were declining so we implemented the numeracy check to help with early intervention supports. I am pleased to see this Gonski agreement will also focus on numeracy for students right across the country, as we led the charge in this field. “This commitment will allow us to focus on what we need to do to improve educational outcomes, including how we can better attract and retain our teaching workforce. “Funding for our schools, and the education for our young people is critical – we cannot simply coast along with the bare minimum – and I’m proud that we now have an agreement in place to ensure that the supports are exactly where our students need them.” 

Local police are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert as mobile speed detection units continue to monitor country roads across the Fleurieu Peninsula until Sunday, May 4.The ongoing operation is part of a broader effort to improve road safety and reduce speeding-related incidents in regional areas, particularly as we approach a busy time on local roads with school holidays and seasonal travel.Motorists are reminded that mobile speed cameras are strategically placed in areas with known risk factors or where there have been previous speeding concerns. Their presence aims to encourage safer driving behaviours and protect all road users — locals and visitors alike.A full list of the current country speed camera locations has been released and includes several key roads throughout the region.Whether you're heading to the coast, passing through the hills, or exploring one of our charming townships, please remember to stick to the speed limits, drive courteously, and arrive safely.ALEXANDRINA RD, FINNISSALEXANDRINA RD, CURRENCY CREEKARMSTRONG RD, VICTOR HARBORASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNBULL CREEK RD, ASHBOURNEFORKTREE RD, CARRICKALINGAGOOLWA RD, MIDDLETONGOOLWA RD, CURRENCY CREEKLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN SOUTH RD, DELAMEREMAIN SOUTH RD, MYPONGAMAIN SOUTH RD, YANKALILLAMAIN SOUTH RD, WATTLE FLATNORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTPAGES FLAT RD, MYPONGAPORT ELLIOT RD, GOOLWA BEACHPORT ELLIOT RD, PORT ELLIOTSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSTRATHALBYN RD, FLAXLEYVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT COMPASSVICTOR HARBOR RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT JAGGEDVICTORIA ST, VICTOR HARBORWAITPINGA RD, WAITPINGA

ANZAC Day will be commemorated on Friday 25 April, with dawn and morning services held across the region.The annual public holiday observes the anniversary of the World War I Dardanelles Campaign Landing of Australian and New Zealand forces in 1915.State MP for Finniss David Basham says Anzac Day is a time to reflect on all those who have served and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts involving Australians.“It is a day to be grateful for the courage and sacrifice made by all who died or were injured in their service to our nation. Like many, I have relatives who have served, and it is important to honour their memory.”Here is a list of many remembrance events on the day, where the community can attend to pay respect.Dawn ServiceAldinga War Memorial – 6.15am.Goolwa RSL, 1 Cutting Road – 5.45am.Hindmarsh Island Cemetery – 6.15am.Inman Valley Memorial Hall – 6.15am.McLaren Flat Memorial HallMcLaren Vale Memorial Park 5.45am.Mount Compass War Memorial Hall – 5.45am.Old Noarlunga Princess Diana Fountain Memorial.Port Elliot RSL War Memorial – 6am.Port Noarlunga Christies Beach RSL – 5.30am.Strathalbyn Soldiers Memorial Garden - 6amTooperang War Memorial Hall – 6am.Victor Harbor Soldiers Memorial Gardens - 5.15amWillunga RSL – 6.15am.Morning ServiceMiddleton Soldiers Memorial Gardens - 11am, with tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits provided following the service.Milang Soldiers Memorial Gardens – 10.30am.ANZAC Day Services on Kangaroo Island American River Remembrance Reserve – 6.15am, followed by Gunfire Breakfast at The Shed.Parndana War Memorial, Townhall Precinct – 8.30am, followed by breakfast and a sunset flag lowering service at 5.40pm.Penneshaw War Memorial – 9am, followed by morning tea at the Penneshaw Pub.Kingscote Dawn Service at Bernie Davies Memorial Park – 6.15am, followed by Gunfire Breakfast at the Lions Hall and the ANZAC Day March at 10.30am. A morning Commemoration Service will also be held at Bernie Davies Memorial Park – 10.45am, followed by morning tea at the Ozone Hotel.For more information about ANZAC day commemorations across the state, visit the RSL website.

After a one-year pause for review and improvement, the Onkaparinga Grants program will return in July 2025 with full funding of $705,000 and a fresh new structure designed to better support local initiatives. The council says its comprehensive review focused on streamlining the application process, ensuring grants align with the Community Vision 2034, and making it easier for the community to access the support they need. McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic, usually held in the April school holidays, was one popular community event cancelled in 2025 due to the funding pause.Mayor Moira Were AM, says the return of the program was great news for local groups and organisations working to make a difference. “We know how important these grants are for our region, and this new structure ensures funding is targeted to where it’s needed most," she says.“The new approach also aligns directly with our Community Vision 2034, developed in partnership with more than 5000 residents."Whether you’re seeking to offer group activities, run a community festival, upgrade facilities, create an inspired arts project or introduce circular economy solutions in your small business, there’s a grant category for you. “With $705,000 in funding available, we’re excited to support projects that turn ideas into action to strengthen our region."The program has been structured around three key approaches: Quick Response Grants – Fast-tracked approval for small, low-risk community projects that fall outside the annual grant funding round. Open year-round until funds are fully allocated. Annual Grants – Support for the region’s creatives, not-for-profits and businesses delivering initiatives that contribute to a connected community, sustainable future.  Triennial Grants – Committed funding to established projects and iconic events that help make the region the great place that it is. “The introduction of Quick Response grants will allow community to access funding for smaller projects throughout the year, rather than waiting for set major funding rounds," Mayor Were says.“This flexibility will help groups take advantage of unexpected opportunities, address urgent community needs, or trial new initiatives.”  Applications for the first round of funding open in July 2025, and information sessions will be held to help prospective applicants navigate the new structure.

For those unable to vote on the day of the federal election on Saturday 3 May, early voting centres will be open from tomorrow, Tuesday 22 April, up to and including Friday 2 May.The seat of Mayo covers most of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. There are seven candidates on the green ballot paper for the House of Representatives, as follows:Zane BASIC - Liberal Party of AustraliaRebekha SHARKIE - Centre AllianceGenevieve DAWSON-SCOTT - Australian GreensBen HACKETT - Family First Party AustraliaMarisa BELL - Australian Labor Party Rebecca HEWETT - Pauline Hanson's One NationSimeon Trump BIDWELL - Trumpet of PatriotsVoters must number each box next to the candidates' names from 1 to 7 for their vote to count.There are 40 candidates for the Senate and voters can choose to vote for parties – above the line, or for individuals – below the line.If voting above the line, at least 6 boxes must be numbered from 1 to 6 for the vote to count. If voting below the line, at least 12 boxes must be numbered from 1 to 12 for the vote to count.Early voting centres for Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island are located at:Aldinga Central Shopping Centre, Shop 41, Aldinga Beach Road.Christies Beach, 111 Beach Road. Entrance via McKay Avenue.Kangaroo Island, Kingscote Town Hall, Dauncey Street.Victor Harbor Recreation Centre, 5 George Main Road.Strathalbyn, corner of Sandergrove and Milnes Roads.All early voting centres will be closed on Anzac Day, Friday 25 April.  Check opening times for each centre and where to find a polling place to vote on election day, Saturday 3 May, on the Australian Electoral Commission website.

The program for the 2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival (SAWBF) is shipshape and at full spinnaker with a huge line-up of events and attractions for boaties, families and anyone who loves heritage, tradition and anything maritime.Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission, this biennial event on the weekend of April 26 and 27 will feature more than 100 wooden boats – new and vintage, under sail, steam, motor and paddle.This 19th festival will be officially opened by Her Excellency the Hon Frances Adamson AC, the Governor of South Australia.Thousands of festivalgoers are expected to enjoy sailing races, paddle steamer cruises, steam train trips, maritime exhibits at the wharf and the Armfield Slip, the Rough ‘n’ Ready boat building competition and vintage bi-plane aerial displays.There will also be live music, featuring performances from the Royal Australian Navy Band, great food, markets, and family- friendly entertainment with the Little Pirates Tent and the Little Picassos art exhibition.An unmissable highlight of the festival will be a light display over the waters of the Goolwa channel on Saturday night.Wooden boats adorned with twinkling fairy lights will line the waterfront at the Goolwa Wharf Precinct. Then, as night falls, the sky will come alive with a spectacular fireworks display launched from the Hindmarsh Island Bridge. The festival will also be the backdrop of a celebration on 26 April to officially open the upgrade of the historic Goolwa Wharf Precinct.“This year’s SA Wooden Boat Festival brings together the nostalgia of our rich wooden boat history with a celebration of our major project to preserve and protect our heritage Goolwa Wharf Precinct,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“Goolwa Wharf is a special place, one of only two places in the world where you can step off a steam train and board a paddle steamer.“The festival opening will recognise this unique feature with the Steam Salute, a moment when the SteamRanger train and the Paddle Steamer PS Oscar W exchange whistles.“I’m a boatie myself so this festival is special to me because it showcases the craftsmanship of traditional boatbuilding and the heritage of Goolwa which is integral to the early history of South Australia and is now a world-class destination with a wonderful mix of tourism and cultural attractions.”State Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison says the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Goolwa is a wonderful celebration of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s rich maritime history and the vibrant local culture."It’s an exciting opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience firsthand the craftsmanship, history and natural beauty that the region has to offer,” she says. “I am proud to support this festival through the South Australian Tourism Commission's Regional Event Fund, as it attracts thousands of local and interstate visitors, providing an incredible opportunity to showcase our State, while supporting local businesses and regional communities.”

The Middleton community is celebrating installation of a wave bench seat for locals and visitors to watch surfers. The bench was funded from the best dressed town’s winnings from last year’s Tour Down Under, along with additional contributions from the Middleton Town & Foreshore Association.It was crafted by local artisan Chris Murphy from Blue Temper Ironworks, who also created the wave sculpture at Middleton Point. The bench provides a very practical addition to the town’s array of public art, which includes a surfer sculpture, the metal cow and several murals that add colour and movement to the south coast.Middleton was named overall Gold winner of the Santos Best Dressed Town in the 2024 Tour Down Under.

Soil dryness, high forest and scrub fuel loads, combined with predictions of no meaningful rainfall for the coming months has prompted the extension of the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District by two weeks to 14 May.Several districts including the Mid North, Murraylands, Riverland, Lower South East, Upper South East, Yorke Peninsula, Adelaide Metropolitan and Kangaroo Island will end as scheduled on 30 April, with all other districts already out of season.Despite the season end in sight for most districts, the CFS has reminded South Australian communities not to become complacent, as dry conditions and minimal rainfall continues to pose a risk of bushfire in the landscape throughout autumn.Acting Deputy Chief Officer Brenton Hastie says current weather predictions indicate no meaningful rain for April, May and parts of June.“Fuel loads vary across the Mount Lofty Ranges, with high forest and scrub fuels in parts and somewhat low fuels in others, and the exceptionally dry conditions and lack of forecast rain in the near future poses a risk of fire,” Mr Hastie says.“Volunteers have worked incredibly hard to keep the South Australian community safe throughout this Fire Danger Season and will continue to respond to incidents across the state, but the community need to be aware that the risk of fire won’t abate until there is significant rainfall.“CFS volunteers in the Mount Lofty Ranges are still observing concerning fire behaviour when responding to incidents due to how dry it is across the district, which was evident during the weekend’s fire at Bull Creek.”Aerial resources have played a critical role in supporting firefighters to suppress fires across the South Australian landscape with a total of 1,344 individual aircraft dispatches attending 223 incidents across the state this Fire Danger Season, five fewer incidents than last season.The CFS has reminded the community that rules of the Fire Danger Season still apply for much of the state during these school holidays, which means there are restrictions around if a campfire can be lit, localised restrictions may also apply in National Parks and Forestry reserves.

This Easter, RSPCA South Australia is shining a spotlight on some of the most adorable adoptables—our beautiful bunnies! Starting Saturday 19 April, we’re offering a special promotion on rabbit adoptions at our O’Halloran Hill animal care campus - only for one week.Whether you're a first-time bunny parent or an experienced rabbit lover, now is the perfect time to open your heart and home to one of these gentle, lovable companions.But please remember: 👉 Bunnies are family forever—not just for Easter.They need care, attention, enrichment, and a safe, loving environment just like any other pet.Find your bunny hereReady to adopt a bunny? Visit www.rspcasa.org.au or come in to meet our bunnies in person and find the perfect fluffy friend to join your family this Easter. 🐇💛

City of Onkaparinga has released its Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2025–26, which it says showcases a strong financial position, investment in community priorities, and a commitment to keeping rates affordable.The council says it has delivered an operating surplus for the second consecutive year, demonstrating its commitment to long-term financial sustainability and building resilience for the future.The $245.05 million draft budget proposes a general rate increase of 2.49 per cent – below the December 2024 CPI for Adelaide. This figure will be updated in line with the March 2025 CPI prior to budget adoption.There is no proposed increase this year to Community Wastewater Management System charges for customers of this service.“The tough decisions we made last year set us on a more sustainable path, and we’re now in a stronger position because of them,” says Mayor Moira Were.“This draft plan shows how we’re managing rates responsibly while continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure the community needs.“Every project and service in the plan aligns with the city’s Community Vision 2034, shaped by more than 5000 residents."Highlights of the Draft Budget and Annual Business Plan include:$8.4 million for six major road renewal projects.Continued refurbishment of the Hopgood Theatre and Noarlunga Aquatic Centre.Coastal protection works including upgrades to the Christies Beach seawall, sand groyne and Port Noarlunga jetty.Final stage of the Witton Bluff Base Trail.Return of the Onkaparinga Grants Program, with $705,000 in funding and a refreshed structure to better support local groups and initiatives.The budget includes $166.07 million for essential services, programs and asset maintenance, and $56.95 million for renewal, new and upgraded infrastructure and initiatives.Community engagement is now open and will continue to Sunday 11 May.The council encourages residents to read the plan and share their feedback online or drop into a council customer service centre by Friday 9 May.

A man has been seriously injured in a crash at Blewitt Springs early this morning.About 2.15am on Friday 18 April, police and emergency services responded to a single vehicle crash on Schuller Road. A Holden sedan had crashed into a tree.The driver, a 21-year-old man from Mclaren Flat, was seriously injured and was rushed to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered life threatening at this time.His passenger, a 42-year-old man from Blewitt Springs, sustained minor injuries.Major Crash Investigators attended the scene and investigated the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A 21-year-old man from McLaren Flat was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash at Blewitt Springs in the early hours of Friday morning.Emergency services were called to Schuller Road just after 2.15am on 18 April, where a Holden sedan had veered off the road and collided with a tree. The young driver sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment. Authorities have confirmed that his injuries, while severe, are not believed to be life-threatening.A 42-year-old male passenger from Blewitt Springs suffered only minor injuries in the incident.Major Crash Investigators attended the scene to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash. Schuller Road was temporarily closed but is expected to reopen shortly.

A community meeting to discuss the algal bloom affecting the south coast will be held on Thursday 24 April at the Middleton Pioneer Hall.Hosted by activist groups The Wild South and Rising Tide, the Toxic Surf forum aims to provide information and canvas solutions.Organisers say the algal bloom has killed thousands of beautiful sea creatures, made beachgoers sick and left the community wondering what to do.RecFish SA reports that PIRSA has closed the commercial harvesting of pipis between the Murray Mouth and 10km South of the mouth to ensure dead or dying Pipis are not sent for human consumption.The forum will offer an evening of food, film and guest speakers from 6pm to 8.30pm.Featured speakers will include estuarine ecologist Faith Coleman, local Ramindjeri cultural leader Cedric Varcoe and Aunty Angelena Harradine Buckskin.Local surfer and photographer Anthony Rowland, who first raised the alarm on the algal bloom in March, will also attend.Parsons and Waitpinga beaches at Victor Harbor were closed for several weeks and the horse tram service to Granite Island was suspended, due to effects of the microalgae Karenia Mikimotoi.This followed widespread reports of surfers and beachgoers suffering symptoms including coughing and breathing difficulties, itchy eyes and blurred vision and dead fish and marine creatures washing up on beaches across the south coast.SA Health has advised people to avoid swimming in affected areas and avoid discoloured water.Entry to the forum is free but event organisers are asking people to register to attend.Find out more about The Wild South and Rising Tide on Facebook.

Police are investigating a crash at Middleton this afternoon.About 12.20pm on Thursday 17 April, police responded to reports of a crash between a cyclist and van.The cyclist, a man aged in his 70s, sustained serious injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital. He is expected to be airlifted to Adelaide for treatment.The driver of the van was not injured and is assisting police with the investigation.Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a Gymnasium on Hill Street in Port Elliot this morning.Just after midnight, Thursday 17 April, police and fire crews were called to Hill Street after reports that a gymnasium was on fire. MFS and CFS moved quickly and were able to extinguish the fire, however not before it caused substantial damage to the building and neighbouring premises.Victor Harbor CIB and Fire Cause Investigators have attended the scene this morning and conducted an examination. The fire is being treated as suspicious. Detectives have been reviewing nearby CCTV this morning and have identified a light-coloured vehicle seen near the premises around the time of the fire.Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or may have dashcam footage from the area at the time, is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.

The state government has approved an Alexandrina Council-initiated Code Amendment that applies added protection to the heritage of the river port town of Milang.The Milang Local Heritage Code Amendment went to public consultation last year and was recently endorsed by the Minister for Planning, Nick Champion. Minister Champion granted approval to the council over a year ago to initiate the Code Amendment after comprehensive research revealed many of the residential and civic buildings constructed in Milang between the 1850s and 1900 – when the River Murray was a major trade route - remained intact.The town has a small number of State Heritage-listed buildings, but no Local Heritage buildings or places have ever been listed.The council’s Milang Local Heritage Code Amendment now lists several buildings, places and items, and establishes a Historic Area Overlay to protect the substantial heritage in this lakeside town.“Protecting and promoting Alexandrina’s history is a priority for our council, and Milang is one of our towns that still retains much of its early architecture and this heritage contributes invaluably to the character of the town,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“The early character of Milang is evident in its original subdivision pattern and surrounding parklands, and the historic buildings which remain from the 1850s to the early 1900s when Milang was a town for the district and a thriving port for the growing River Murray trade.“This main period of development in Milang has left a rich legacy of buildings, including prominent public buildings and churches and many private residences of varying degrees of scale and detail, which create the town’s heritage character."Minister Champion says Milang had a rich history and that can still be seen today, with a number of buildings a reminder of the original township.“Any future development should complement and celebrate these historic areas and buildings,” he says.“This Code Amendment will ensure Milang’s distinctive character can continue to be enjoyed into the future with the Historic Area Overlay to protect the substantial heritagein the lakeside town.”According to Alexandrina Council, Milang was first surveyed in 1853 and in the ensuing decade, two hotels, a jetty, a steam mill, a store, a chapel and a post office and many homes were built.With the advent of the railway, and the difficulties of safely navigating the Murray Mouth, the height of the River Murray trade had passed by the 1920s.From the early days, the town has been involved in tourism, including cruising and regattas on the lake and River Murray, and the development of a caravan park and, in the early 20th century, shacks on the foreshore.For further information about heritage in Alexandrina visit the council website.