May’s destructive storms wreaked havoc across the region and District Council of Yankalilla has counted the toll on jetties and other coastal infrastructure along the Fleurieu Coast.Very high tides, strong winds and heavy surf impacted jetties, causeways and beach stairs at  Normanville, Carrickalinga, Second Valley, Rapid Bay, Myponga Beach and Cape Jervis. In conjunction with Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) the council has been assess the damage, make safe through interim measures, begin the clean-up and plan for the repairs needed to safely restore access.Normanville jetty will stay closed while qualified engineers make a detailed inspection and report to council exactly what repairs are required.There was also damage to the walkway to the jetty and the boat ramp and the beach stairs at Normanville are also closed, awaiting a full engineering assessment.Normanville pontoon’s ladder was damaged, but its  structural integrity is fine. It will be stored over winter while the council explores options for sponsorship or support to bring it back for future summers. DIT will repair the state heritage-listed causeway at Second Valley, which will include specialised stonework.Temporary repairs have already been completed to the Second Valley jetty, but a detailed engineering inspection is required to check for any further issues.Severe damage has closed the beach stairs at Myponga Beach and the council is reviewing whether they can be repaired or if they will need to be replaced. Diving, swimming and boating are now prohibited around the entire structure of the old Rapid Bay jetty after inspection revealed major safety risks.The exclusion zone has been expanded to cover beneath the jetty and 20 metres on either side and at both ends.DIT will begin maintenance works on the new Rapid Bay Jetty on Tuesday 1 July. The work aims to improve the jetty’s structural integrity and lifespan and will continue until mid-September, with some weekday closures required for safety. For more information visit the DIT website. Severe flooding damaged the Rapid Bay campground with some fencing needing repairs as well as damage to the access road. For more information about coastal damage and remediation across the District Council of Yankalilla, visit the council website.

The Fleurieu has four of the worst hotspots for car crashes with kangaroos, according to the RAA.Car crashes with kangaroos continue to skyrocket across the state – with RAA insurance receiving more than 2,100 claims for kangaroo collisions in the past year. That’s a 44 per cent jump on the same period two years ago – likely due to the state’s lack of rainfall bringing kangaroos towards the road in search of food. RAA has also analysed the last three years of insurance claim data to reveal which suburbs are worst for kangaroo crashes, with the biggest hotspots being busy regional towns. Mount Gambier in the state’s South East recorded 64 kangaroo collision claims at RAA in recent years, followed by Whyalla (57), Port Augusta (53) and Mount Compass (47). McLaren Vale (45), Myponga (43) and Victor Harbor (40) also featured in the top ten.While the RAA insurance data shows 77 per cent of kangaroo collisions occur in regional areas, a significant number are also recorded in the outer metropolitan areas – highlighting the need for all drivers to be vigilant.  RAA Senior Manager Safety & Infrastructure Charles Mountain urges drivers to be aware of the heightened risk of kangaroo crashes. “Kangaroos in particular are unpredictable creatures that can seemingly come out of nowhere and pose a significant safety risk. “They can also do a lot of damage to your vehicle – from minor damage up to a complete write-off. “If you’re driving in regional areas especially, make sure you’re alert to the possibility of animals near the road and drive to the conditions. “If you do happen to encounter one on the road, brake safely and sound your horn if it’s safe to do so. “But do not swerve as that could cause a more serious crash and put yourself and other road users at even greater risk.” 

South Australian parents are being urged to vaccinate their children against the flu as cases continue to rise across the state this year.  Currently, less than one in five SA children under the age of five have had a flu vaccine according to Health Minister Chris Picton, who says this is too low, even though it’s higher than the national average.“Young children are especially vulnerable to the serious impacts of flu and more likely to end up in hospital,” he says. “We’re listening to the health experts by providing an excellent program that provides free flu vaccines to around 600,000 South Australians including children under 5, people over 65, pregnant women, all Aboriginal people over 6 months of age, and those with underlying health conditions. “South Australians have a strong record for rolling up their sleeves. Overall, our flu vaccine uptake is higher than the national average and better than any mainland state – we just need more parents to get their young kids vaccinated.So far this year, 781 children under the age of five have been diagnosed with flu in South Australia, with 87 of those diagnosed resulting in hospitalisation. Across the state, there have been 6,754 flu cases reported so far this year – compared to 4,267 cases at the same time last year. The flu vaccine is free for at-risk groups including children less than five years, people aged more than 65 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those aged more than six months with certain health conditions. People can find out if they are eligible by visiting the SA Health website. SA’s flu vaccine uptake across the board is once again above the national average and the highest of any mainland state, according to the state government, with almost 30 per cent of South Australians vaccinated.For more information on flu vaccines for children under five years, visit the SA Health website.    

With some steady rain finally arriving Alexandrina Council has started rolling out its street tree planting program for 2025.The council Tree Team aims to plant 800 street trees this season, focusing on the townships and suburbs with the lowest levels of tree canopy cover.This includes Milang, Clayton Bay, Middleton and Goolwa Beach.Across the district, the council says the tree canopy varies significantly from just under 12 per cent in Milang to nearly 50 per cent in Ashbourne.It uses a combination of local knowledge, on-ground observation and aerial imagery to identify areas with low canopy coverage. Once a location is confirmed the council installs signs, marks locations and delivers notices to neighbouring residents of the intent to plant. Residents have a month to raise any concerns or questions.There are more than a dozen types of tree on the council’s preferred species list for its planting program.They include apple gum, coastal banksia, pink flame tree, lemon-scented gum, flowering ash and native frangipani.The council encourages everyone to consider the long-term benefits of even a single tree, as street trees create cooler environments, enhance liveability and support biodiversity.Find out more about the Alexandrina street tree planting program on the council website. 

The state government has outlined details of its $2.5 million comprehensive mental health support strategy for South Australian communities impacted by drought.         The Mental Health Support Program forms part of its $73 million drought assistance package, which was first announced in November last year and expanded in April. More than $1.2 million will be invested in expanding trusted NGO mental health service providers across regional SA including Centacare (with KWY), Uniting SA, Mind and Skylight, enabling these skilled and trusted local services to deliver more support to individuals and groups. These programs will involve mental health support workers on the ground who will work directly with affected community members. Referral pathways are also being broadly expanded to ensure these services can be accessed through a range of new and locally established referrers, including Rural Financial Counsellors (via Rural Business Support), Family and Business Support Mentors and local GPs, plus self-referral from 1 July.At least eight Men’s Tables will be formed over the next year – men’s mental health, suicide prevention and community-building initiatives that bring together groups of local men so they can build genuine connections over dinner – at a cost of $200,000, starting with the South East and expanding to at least one in every drought-affected region. Increased mental wellbeing resources and the promotion of effective mental health tools for farmers and primary producers are also being rolled out. An $80,000 investment is being made in tools such as ifarmwell, an online platform developed by farmers for farmers which teaches skills to better cope with stress. More than $600,000 is being invested into other wellbeing, resilience and mental health initiatives, including the provision of access to training, support, information and resources for the broader community as well as Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities. Targeted support such as counselling and suicide prevention will also be established to help each community’s most vulnerable people.Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says the Drought Mental Health Support Program will ensure that even those facing the worst of circumstances will feel connected, supported and informed – if, and, or when they are ready to take that important next step towards getting the help they need.“We know that the impacts from this drought will continue to be felt for some time, including the mental and emotional toll, which is why we have made a significant investment in mental health services as part of our Drought Support Package.“I encourage those impacted by the drought to make the most of these services and reach out for support during this difficult time.”Those needing mental health support or advice can call the Medicare Mental Health Line between 8.30am and 5pm on weekdays at 1800 595 212. Support is also available 24 hours a day, every day of the year through Lifeline (131 114) or, for urgent matters, by calling the Emergency Triage Liaison Service on 131 465.Further information and resources can also be found at the SA Health website’s Drought Mental Health Support page. For broader drought related matters, the PIRSA Recovery Hotline is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at 1800 931 314. PIRSA also provides drought response updates on its website.

Strong winds and high tides are expected across South Australia.The South Australian State Emergency Service (SA SES) is asking South Australians to prepare for windy weather by tying down and putting away loose items around their property and to take extra care around coastal areas of South Australia. Derren Halleday, SES Chief of Staff said now is the time to prepare ahead of the windy conditions. “Securing items in your yard or putting them away can avoid them being blown around and causing property damage during intense wind gusts,”“Unusually high tides are dangerous to swimmers, surfers and rock fishers. Stay away from coastal areas until conditions subside”Jonathan Fischer from the Bureau of Meteorology said “Damaging winds are likely from later today (Monday 23 June) until Wednesday morning. Large waves and elevated seas are expected.“A deep low pressure system to the south will extend a series of vigorous fronts over southern SA during the next 48 hours. This will result in widespread gusty winds, squally showers and storms with local heavy falls possible and coastal impacts from large waves, rough and elevated seas.” “Elevated sea levels are forecast around high tide on Tuesday, with some coastal impacts likely.”Prepare for severe weather and storms:Secure loose items in your yard including outdoor furniture and play equipmentClean your gutters and downpipes of leaves and debrisPark vehicles away from trees and under cover Prepare for high tides:Stay away from coastal areas until conditions subside.Know your limitations around beaches, tidal rivers and creeks. Monitor warnings and conditions. Supervise children at all times.If you have a moored boat or watercraft, check that your mooring and lines are secure.Be aware that unusually high tides could cause flooding at the coast.You should never walk, ride or drive through floodwater. For emergency storm assistance call 132 500For life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000)To prepare for storms, visit: ses.sa.gov.au/storm

Many people are gearing up for a winter celebration of Christmas in July, but the Goolwa Community Association is planning ahead for warmer days and the main event. The Goolwa Christmas Lights and Lantern Flotilla will be held on Saturday 20 December and the Association is calling on all boat lovers in the community to join in.It wants to launch a brand-new festive tradition in Goolwa, with decorated boats illuminating the river with lights and lanterns, celebrating the season in true coastal style. The first-ever Christmas Flotilla will end pageant day in a magical fashion with lights on the water to celebrate the season in a night to remember.Anyone who wants get involved can enter free online, or email for details.

A driver has died following a serious crash at Meadows on Sunday morning.About 2am Sunday 22 June, police and emergency services responded to Morris Road at Meadows after reports that a car had collided with a tree.The driver of the Toyota ute, a 28-year-old man from the Mid North, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.Sadly, the man has since died.The passenger of the ute, a 47-year-old man from Meadows, was seriously injured and remains in hospital.Morris Road was closed while Major Crash investigators examined the scene, however, has since re-opened.The driver's death is the 38th life lost on South Australian roads this year.

The end of financial year usually sees delivery of printed calendars for rubbish, green waste and recycling collection to households across Alexandrina, Victor Harbor, Yankalilla and Kangaroo Island.This year the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority will transition to digital calendars, in the interests of sustainability.FRWA says the change will help reduce waste from unused calendars and supports better recycling practices, especially since magnets attached to calendars can prevent proper recycling if not removed.The digital calendars can be downloaded from the FRWA website and can be tailored to a specific address, so only the relevant collection days are shown.Council-wide calendars can also be downloaded.Anyone who still needs a printed version can collect one from their local council office or contact FRWA.

A driver has died following a serious crash at Meadows on this morning.About 2am Sunday 22 June, police and emergency services responded to Morris Road at Meadows after reports that a car had collided with a tree.The driver of the Toyota ute, a 28-year-old man from the Mid North, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.Sadly, the man has since died.The passenger of the ute, a 47-year-old man from Meadows, was seriously injured and remains in hospital.Morris Road was closed while Major Crash investigators examined the scene, however, has since re-opened.The driver's death is the 38th life lost on South Australian roads this year.

Police are investigating a break-in at Port Noarlunga South this morning and have released CCTV of the suspects and their getaway scooter.Three unknown males attended an address in Aldam Road, Port Noarlunga South about 8.30am on Saturday 21 June.  One suspect waited outside on a scooter while two males entered the home and confronted the four occupants.Three victims were assaulted during the incident and sustained minor injuries.The offenders stole a Playstation 5 and two wallets before getting back on the silver and black scooter, described as similar to a Yamaha NMAX 155, and heading west along Aldam Road.They were all dressed in black, with their faces covered.Southern District CIB detectives are investigating.Anyone who recognises the trio or scooter or has dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Two men have been injured in a serious crash at Meadows overnight.About 2am Sunday 22 June, police and emergency services were called to Morris Road at Meadows following reports that a car had collided with a tree.The driver of the Toyota ute, a 28-year-old man from the Mid North, sustained life threatening injuries while his passenger, a 47-year-old man from Meadows was critically injured. Both men were transported to hospital for treatment.Morris Road is currently closed between Brookman Road and Arunga Road while Major Crash investigators examine the scene. Road users are asked to avoid the area.

Aldinga Library will host a free workshop on Healthy Eating on a Budget on Saturday 28 June.Accredited dietitian Mattea Palombo will offer a supportive and down-to-earth presentation with practical strategies for eating well without overspending.She will cover planning nourishing meals, making the most of the grocery budget and how to navigate confusing nutrition messages—all without guilt or restriction.Having overcome an eating disorder and now living with Coeliac Disease, Mattea sees good nutrition as crucial for good health. “What you eat impacts on how your body functions. My passion and goal is to help people nourish their body correctly.”Her compassionate, no-fads approach to nutrition focuses on building healthier relationships with food.The hour-long session will run from 10.30am; bookings are essential at Aldinga Library on 8384 0022.

🐾 Pet of the Week: Meet Boss – A Big Softie Looking for a Forever HomeThis week, RSPCA South Australia is proud to spotlight Boss as our Pet of the Week! This sweet and friendly boy is searching for a calm, loving home—and for a limited time, you can adopt him for just $95.🐶 About BossBoss is a lovable companion who’s ready to trade shelter life for cozy naps, relaxing garden time, and endless affection from his favourite people.He dreams of a quiet home where he can soak up love and feel secure. While he may need a bit of time to adjust, once comfortable, he’s full of charm and loyalty.His perfect day includes:Quality cuddle timeExploring the yard or gardenPuzzle toys and rope games (his absolute favourites!)🏡 Boss’ Ideal Home✅ Loves human affection ✅ Would like to be the only dog in the home ✅ Best suited for adults or older children ✅ Needs a peaceful, structured environment where he can settle in and feel safeBoss has waited long enough for his second chance—could it be with you?📍 Visit RSPCA South Australia’s O’Halloran Hill animal care campus or find out more about Boss (AID: 188965) at www.rspcasa.org.au.

Significant reforms to dog and cat laws including banning puppy farms, expanding feral cat eradication and increasing penalties for dog owners that attack people and other animals have passed State Parliament. Dog owners now face a maximum fine of $25,000 if their pet attacks a person or animal causing serious injury or death. This fine will be up to $50,000 if the attacking dog was already the subject of a dangerous dog order. In extreme cases, when a dog owner deliberately encourages their pet to attack or harass a person or animal, the owner could be fined up to $100,000 or be jailed for four years. In South Australia 503 people presented at a public hospital in 2024 after being attacked by a dog, while another 1200 dog attacks were reported to SA councils. Dog control orders placed on pet owners who move to South Australia from interstate - such as a dangerous dog order or a prohibition order - will also be better recognised and enforced under South Australian law. Councils will also have increased powers to manage nuisance barking and dogs that persistently wander in their districts. This includes the ability to issue control orders on dogs that continually wander at large, with penalties of up to $2500 each time a dog with a control order is caught wandering. The updates will also allow councils to work more closely with dog owners to help prevent offences before they occur, such as implementing specific measures to stop dogs wandering at large. Large-scale puppy farms are now banned in South Australia, outlawing inhumane breeding programs that increase the risk of animal cruelty. A new breeder licensing scheme has also been introduced under the reforms to the state’s Dog and Cat Management Act. This scheme has a rigorous assessment process for breeders, including criminal background checks on applicants, and the ability to suspend and cancel breeder licences and fines of up to $10,000 for breeding animals without a licence.Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says these important updates to the Dog and Cat Management Act will prevent puppy factories from being set up in South Australia. “Everyone deserves to know that their new family puppy has come from a responsible breeder who cares for their animals and keeps them in good living conditions. “We have also introduced heavier penalties to help prevent violent dog attacks and increase the safety of all South Australians and their pets. “The increased punishments for dog attacks will act as a strong deterrent and ensure that owners do all they can to control their dogs.” In addition to the breeder reforms, all property owners more than 1 kilometre from another residence are now permitted to undertake humane lethal cat controls on their property. This update is aimed at allowing landholders in regional areas to deal with feral cats on their properties in a similar way to controlling other pest animals, such as foxes. The legislation allows for this distance to be reduced if required.Minister Close says feral cats are one of the biggest threats to native animals, killing more than 1.5 billion mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs and 1.1 billion invertebrates each year. “The new abilities for property owners to undertake feral cat controls will help to protect our vital native wildlife.” Feral cats can already be managed using lethal methods by landholders and government agencies, such as councils or regional Landscape Boards. 

City of Victor Harbor is calling for community feedback on its amended Urban Growth Management Strategy, following changes made in response to previous consultation.The population of Victor Harbor and its surrounding suburbs is expected to grow by 50 per cent, approximately 8,000 people over the next 25 years.The council says it is important to manage this growth to maintain a thriving community with a strong economy, without losing the character that makes the town unique.It will hold community open days to discuss the strategy on Saturday 28 June from 9.30am to 12.30pm and on Tuesday 1 July from 3pm to 6pm at the council chambers. Register online to attend one of the sessions. The main changes include areas to be investigated for rezoning, altering the focus on infrastructure and adding childcare provision as a priority.A summary of previous feedback and the key changes made to the updated strategy can be viewed on the council website or in hard copy at the Civic Centre. The strategy will be finalised after this final round of community consultation, which ends at 5pm on Thursday 10 July.

Asbestos contamination has been added to the list of the late autumn storm damage dealt with by City of Onkaparinga, with exposed sheets found at Aldinga Beach.In a statement the council says the storm surge in late May exposed asbestos sheets at a known contaminated site in the coastal reserve at Aldinga Beach, which are believed to be from beach shacks demolished and illegally dumped in the 1960s and 70s.“The asbestos was found by council staff as part of our post-severe weather coastal inspections and our licenced asbestos assessor and removalist contractor attended the site to make the area safe. “Their air monitoring didn’t reveal any airborne fibres. The asbestos was transported and disposed of by our contractor in accordance with EPA requirements on 29 May. “Our contractor also visited this site in February this year, in May 2024 and in January 2023 to remove pieces of asbestos.“There was no risk to the public.“The area where the asbestos was found is within a known contaminated site, registered in our Contaminated Land Register.”The council says it’s not unusual for severe weather events to cause erosion and expose materials asbestos containing that were previously dumped and buried many years ago.There are 11 similar sites across the city – including in Port Willunga, Sellicks Beach and Port Noarlunga, which the council manages with regular inspections from qualified remediation specialists. Asbestos or hazardous materials found in public areas should be reported to the council on 8384 0666.

An increase in heater-related fires has sparked a warning from authorities for residents to check their winter appliances and use them safely around the home.  The MFS has attended 11 incidents across the state this year, resulting in around $1.1 million of damage – compared to eight fires linked to electric or gas heaters, combustion heaters and fireplaces at the same time last year. In 2024, MFS and CFS crews attended a total 47 related blazes – an increase of more than 50 per cent on the previous year, with 31 incidents recorded.  In the past month, firefighters have responded to house fires in Woodville South (combustion heater spreading to the roof), Happy Valley (outdoor heater under a pergola) and Morphett Vale (combustibles near heater) – each causing significant damage to the properties and putting lives at risk.  Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island residents are urged to have their combustion heaters, flues and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year – timed for the start of the cold weather – to keep them in good working order and avoid embers sparking a fire. Other heater safety tips include:Keeping combustible items like clothes, bedding, furniture and curtains well clear of heaters – ideally a minimum of two metres.If clothes need to be dried inside, using a clothes airer in a room with no heater but a good air flow.Ensuring any heating equipment is installed by a qualified tradesperson and regularly maintained.Following the manufacturer’s instructions.Checking for signs of wear and tear before use and replacing as needed.Fatal house fires are more common during sleeping hours of the cooler months, June to August – highlighting the need for all households to prepare this winter. A working smoke alarm is crucial for giving early warnings of fire, providing the time needed to safely evacuate from the property.Fire-related deaths often result from smoke inhalation and toxic fire gases rather than direct contact with flames and heat. MFS Chief Officer Jeff Swann says an uncontrolled fire has the potential to engulf a room within three to four minutes, creating thick, toxic smoke. “As firefighters, it is our duty to serve and protect the South Australian public from the effects of fire – part of that is to actively educate the community in prevention and awareness.“Installing working smoke alarms throughout your home offers early warning of a fire, providing the best opportunity to keep yourself and your family safe.”  

The Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre celebrates its eighth anniversary this year and is about to start a milestone maintenance project to ensure its long-term future.Jointly owned by Alexandrina Council and the City of Victor Harbor and managed by YMCA South Australia, the Aquatic Centre features a 25-metre lap pool, multi-use hydrotherapy pool, program pool, outdoor splash park, crèche, fitness facilities, and kiosk.In a joint statement the councils say after nearly a decade of continuous operation, the pools are due for an important ‘health check’ and upkeep to optimise operations and to ensure the long-term viability of the assets.Starting on 30 June there will be a staggered closure of the three pools to replace the epoxy coatings and filter media and inspections and maintenance will be done on the expansion joints.The councils and the YMCA plan to start the maintenance project by closing the hydrotherapy pool, then the children’s program pool, and finishing with the 25-metre lap swimming pool.“The pools will be closed sequentially to minimise the disruption to users, water will be transferred from one pool to another where possible to conserve water, and the aim is to have the children’s program pool available for the July and October school holidays,” says City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins.Work on each pool is expected to take four weeks to complete, barring any unforeseen issues, with the project expected to be completed by October. Weather, humidity and the ability to dry out the pool areas may affect the timing of works.Throughout the rolling shutdown, the YMCA will relocate classes and programs to available pools wherever possible. Membership suspension options will be available during the works.Late in 2025, once all the maintenance work is done, Alexandrina Council, the City of Victor Harbor and YMCA South Australia will host a reopening event to celebrate the completion of the project and the facility’s eighth birthday.The event will also highlight some planned purchases of new equipment for the Centre, including new gym gear, and a mobile lifter to improve accessibility to all pools.Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes says the Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre is much-loved and well-used by the Alexandrina and Fleurieu communities. “The health and wellbeing benefits to our community are outstanding the facility is a key attraction for visitors to our region, especially families. “We are excited to embark on this important maintenance project to ensure the longevity of these important assets, and we look forward to celebrating the Centre’s eighth birthday later this year.”The councils say there are more than 183,000 visitors to the Centre every year. The YMCA has over 1,200 members at the facility and provides more than 13,500 swimming lessons annually.For regular updates on the maintenance project, visit the website.