South Australia Police are asking motorists and cyclist to share the road as the Santos Tour Down Under begins.Police will conduct Operation Safe Cycling over the coming weeks with the aim of reducing road crashes.The Tour Down Under starts on Saturday 17 January with Stage 1 of the women’s race in and around Willunga and concludes on Sunday 25 January.Police Commissioner Grant Stevens says the Santos Tour Down Under will attract more cyclists across the city and South Australian regions.“Cyclists are vulnerable road users, so we need everyone to share the road and be respectful,” he says.In 2025 there were 640 crashes involving cyclists and three people lost their lives. The crashes resulted in 87 serious and life changing injuries, with 457 cyclists reported having minor injuries. Most crashes occurred in metropolitan Adelaide and 76 crashes occurred in January – the worst month.“If you’re on the road, be vigilant. Drivers must pay attention for cyclists who can be difficult to see. Be extra careful around intersections and when executing left hand turns,” Commissioner Stevens says.“Cyclists also have an important role in maintaining their safety by ensuring they are wearing appropriate protective equipment and high-visibility apparel.”Spectators sitting kerbside to watch the race should keep road edges clear to leave space for cyclists to overtake and for support vehicles to use.Spectators driving or starting cars near flammable bush or grass should be aware of the hazard this brings in starting a fire.“For people travelling in the area, the Tour will feature rolling road closures that are outlined on the Santos Tour Down Under website. Plan ahead and leave time for possible delays in and around these areas.”Police will have a highly visible presence to ensure a safe event for all. Members of the public can raise the assistance of Police in person or by calling 131 444 or call 000 in the event of a life-threatening incident.For full details of TDU road closures visit the TDU website.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) will host a series of community information sessions on the Main South Road Overtaking Lanes project during January.These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for the community to meet the project team, view the final concept designs, ask questions and understand what to expect during construction. The three new overtaking lanes will be built between Normanville and Cape Jervis and the information sessions will include discussion on potential future upgrades between Myponga and Yankalilla.Session times and locations:Friday 16 January from 11am to 2pm at Normanville Shopping Centre (near Romeo’s Foodland).Sunday 18 January from 10am to 12noon at Cape Jervis Community Club.Sunday 18 January from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Myponga Community Hall.The DIT project aims to improve traffic flow and safety for local residents, tourists and heavy vehicles, while supporting future growth in the region.

Singer Daryl Braithwaite will headline the Riding Out the Bloom fundraising concert on Saturday 17 January at the Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct.The special event aims to support local groups affected by the ongoing algal bloom across the state’s coastal areas.Old Town Road Dance Party (DJ Set), My Chérie and Taylor Sheridan will support the main act. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Goolwa Community Association, supporting locally run community events and the introduction of small grants for businesses and groups. Organisers have called for strong pre-concert ticket sales to help them deliver a safe, high-quality event.Early booking tickets will cost $50 for adults and $25 for children, with family tickets available. Ticket prices will be higher at the gate.Local sporting clubs and community groups will provide refreshments and other assistance on the night to raise funds for their own groups.Book now at Trybooking.

Motorists planning to hit the road on Sunday, January 11, are reminded to drive safely, with mobile speed cameras scheduled to operate across South Australia — including key routes throughout the Fleurieu Peninsula and surrounding regions.As summer travel continues and road traffic remains high, police will maintain a strong presence to help reduce speeding and support safe driving behaviour. These mobile units will be positioned in areas with known traffic risks or a history of speeding incidents.Whether you're heading home from a weekend getaway or enjoying a scenic Sunday drive, it's important to stay alert and obey speed limits.A full list of mobile speed camera locations for Sunday, January 11, is provided below.ADAMS RD, TROTT PARKALDERSHOT RD, LONSDALEBARTON EAST TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEBLACK RD, O'HALLORAN HILLBRODIE RD, MORPHETT VALECHANDLERS HILL RD, HAPPY VALLEYDEVEREUX RD, LINDEN PARKDYSON RD, CHRISTIES BEACHEDUCATION RD, HAPPY VALLEYELIZABETH RD, MORPHETT VALEELIZABETH RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSGLYNBURN RD, BURNSIDEGOODWOOD RD, ADELAIDEGRANT AVE, ROSE PARKGRANT RD, REYNELLAHOWARD TCE, LEABROOKLEFEVRE TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEMAIN NORTH RD, MEDINDIEMELBOURNE ST, NORTH ADELAIDEMORTON RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSPEACOCK RD, ADELAIDERIVER RD, PORT NOARLUNGASTATES RD, ONKAPARINGA HILLSTHE STRAND, REYNELLAWAR MEMORIAL DR, NORTH ADELAIDEWINDEBANKS RD, ABERFOYLE PARKCountry traffic camera locations up to and including Sunday, 18 January 2026BAY RD, MOUNT GAMBIERBOOKPURNONG TCE, LOXTONCHURCH ST, PENOLACOOMBE TCE, WAIKERIECORAL ST, LOXTONDUKES HWY, BORDERTOWNDUKES HWY, KEITHDUNSTONE RD, BARMERAJENKINS TCE, NARACOORTEJURY RD, GLOSSOPKAY AVE, BERRIKOKODA TCE, LOXTONLAWRIE TCE, WAIKERIEMCKAY RD, GLOSSOPMEATWORKS RD, BORDERTOWNMORGAN RD, BARMERAMOUNT GAMBIER RD, MILLICENTMURRAYLANDS RD, MORGANMURTHO ST, RENMARKNOBLE RD, WAIKERIENORTH TCE, MOUNT GAMBIEROLD STURT HWY, GLOSSOPPARA ST, RENMARKPENOLA RD, MOUNT GAMBIERPICK AVE, MOUNT GAMBIERPRINCES HWY, TANTANOOLAPRINCES HWY, MILLICENTQUEEN ELIZABETH DR, BARMERARAILWAY TCE, BEACHPORTRAILWAY TCE EAST, TANTANOOLARENMARK AVE, RENMARKRIDDOCH HWY, PENOLARIDDOCH HWY, COONAWARRARIDDOCH HWY, NARACOORTERIVERVIEW DR, BERRISHEPHERDSON RD, MOUNT GAMBIERSMITH ST, NARACOORTESOUTHERN PORTS HWY, BEACHPORTSOUTHERN PORTS HWY, BEACHPORTSTEWART TCE, NARACOORTESTURT HWY, RENMARK SOUTHSTURT HWY, KINGSTON ON MURRAYSTURT HWY, WAIKERIESTURT HWY, BARMERASTURT ST, MOUNT GAMBIERSUTTONTOWN RD, MOUNT GAMBIERTHIELE HWY, MORGANTONKIN AVE, BARMERAWILLIAMS RD, MILLICENTWORMAN ST, BERRI

The City of Victor Harbor has called for people to nominate for two vacant positions on its Arts and Culture Advisory Group.The advisory group helps to plan and support implementation of the council’s Community Plan 2030 with initiatives that cultivate a vibrant community culture.It actively supports the Culture Strategy – Arts and Heritage 2022-27 and the current term of community members of the group expires in June 2012.Other tasks include assessing applications for relevant grants; giving advice on applications for Coral Street Art Space exhibitions; and reviewing and advising on council documentation that relates to Arts and Culture.Nominations can be lodged by post, email, or in person to the civic centre; the deadline is 5pm on Thursday, 5 February. A nomination form can be downloaded online and further information about being a community member of a council committee is available via email or phone 8551 0500.The last two meetings of the Arts and Culture Advisory Group, scheduled for 30 October and 27 November last year, did not reach a quorum – the minimum number required to conduct business.The next meeting is due to be held on 29 January.

Goolwa Library will host the Alexandrina Council Backyards for Biodiversity workshop series, starting in early February.The workshops offer a step-by-step guide to creating habitat at home for those who would like to turn a garden, balcony or courtyard into a haven for wildlife.They will cover attracting native birds, bees, butterflies and pollinators; how to support local species and urban biodiversity; and creating a more connected, climate-resilient neighbourhood.The six-part series runs fortnightly on Tuesdays, from 6pm to 7.30pm, starting 3 February and finishing 14 April.The workshops will be led by Hannah from Habitat Connection Co. and will cost $25 to access all six sessions in the series as well as take-home resources. Everyone who completes the full series receives a pack of local native plants to start off their biodiversity-friendly garden.People who are interested in the workshops but can’t attend every session can access one session at no cost.The workshop series is a collaboration between Alexandrina Council and Second Nature Conservancy, as part of the Alexandrina Greening and Wildlife Project, funded by Alexandrina Council and Green Adelaide.Find more details and to book a place via Humanitix.

The City of Onkaparinga is gearing up to host two stages of the 2026 Tour Down Under and welcome cyclists passing through in another stage.On Saturday 17 January the Ziptrak Women Stage 1 will start and finish in Willunga High Street.Willunga Town Square will host a celebration picnic event from 10am to 3pm, with live music, local artists creating on site and market stalls. Find out more online.The picnic event will be repeated on Saturday 24 January for THINK! Road Safety Men's Stage 4: Brighton to Willunga Hill.After an 11am start in Brighton, the infamous Willunga Hill finish is expected to conclude around 3.40pm.This stage will see riders tackle the hill climb an unprecedented three times, as well as the coastal sprints at Aldinga’s Snapper Point, with all the action beamed into the Willunga Town Square on a big screen. Find out more online.The Men’s Tour will also pass through the region on Friday 23 January for the ZIPTRAK Men's Stage 3: Henley Beach to Nairne.The Santos Tour Down Under is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere, and the 10-day event brings both male and female (UCI) WorldTour professional cycling teams to race on the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia each January. For more information on the 2026 Santos Tour Down Under visit the event website.There will be changed traffic conditions and rolling road closures in place during the Santos Tour Down Under in Aldinga, McLaren Vale and Willunga.Visit the City of Onkaparinga website for details of road closures and parking restrictions.

Eleven districts across South Australia face Extreme Fire Danger Ratings, with the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) urging South Australians to remain vigilant with severe fire weather forecast across parts of the state tomorrow.The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting Extreme Fire Danger Ratings for:West CoastEastern Eyre PeninsulaLower Eyre PeninsulaFlindersMid NorthMount Lofty RangesYorke PeninsulaRiverlandMurraylandsUpper South EastLower South EastShould a fire start tomorrow, it is likely to spread quickly and be extremely dangerous and difficult to control.The community should check their Bushfire Survival Plan and ensure their property is ready. If they are not prepared, they should leave early and go to a safer location before a fire starts.Fire agencies across Australia are dealing with significant fire weather, and similar challenging conditions are forecast to continue for the rest of the week.Deputy State Controller Fire-HazMat Paul Seager that hanked the community for its vigilance as South Australia experiences its first widespread period of extreme fire danger for the season."We are asking people to delay any activities that could start a fire and, where possible, wait until conditions are milder," he says."While a cool change is expected tomorrow evening, the day will remain high risk, and we ask the public to continue avoiding any risky activities until conditions improve."Bureau of Meteorology Emergency Services Meteorologist Chris Kent says hot and windy conditions will continue, particularly across inland areas, with a cool change not expected until later on Friday."Despite this change, dangerous fire conditions may remain for several hours, and the risk of fast-moving fires will continue," he says."Isolated dry and gusty thunderstorms are also possible on Friday, which may increase the risk for fire ignition."Conditions are expected to ease from Saturday, with cooler temperatures forecast across the state."With strong winds forecast across much of South Australia on Friday, the State Emergency Service (SES) is urging the public to be aware of the increased risk of falling trees and dropped limbs over the coming days."We ask everyone to be mindful of where they seek shade and where they park their vehicles, and to avoid camping or sitting under large trees during windy conditions," says SES Chief of Staff Ben Birbeck."While temperatures are expected to fall over the next few days, heat-related illness remains a serious risk. We encourage people to stay hydrated, keep cool where possible, avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, and check on friends, family, neighbours and pets."In preparation for the forecast severe fire weather, CFS has 35 aerial firefighting assets on standby in key strategic locations across the state, including two extra Black Hawks at Parafield Airport.The recent fire at Kanmantoo in the Murraylands earlier this week was a timely reminder of how quickly fires can start and spread under extreme conditions. Early aerial support assisted ground crews in slowing the fire and preventing it from spreading to the nearby highway.The community is encouraged to subscribe to warnings on the CFS website and ensure the Alert SA app is installed on their mobile device, with watch zones set up and push notifications enabled so they can receive bushfire warnings for their area.For more information about the Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans, visit the CFS website.

The sixth annual Port Elliot record fair will be held on Saturday 10 January, at the Port Elliot Institute on The Strand.A huge selection of new and second hand records across every music genre will be on offer for those who like to keep the tables turning, with more than 25 stallholders.Serious collectors and new enthusiasts to vinyl will find like minds and hidden treasures.The record fair is open from 9.30am to 2.30pm; entry is $2 and all ages are welcome to attend.

A cattle station will be turned into a vital wetlands habitat and form part of a massively expanded national park, helping to protect endangered species, reduce nutrient runoff and improve environmental resilience across the Murray Mouth.The federal and state governments have partnered with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife to acquire Mundoo Island Station, a 1900-hectare property to be added into Coorong National Park – increasing the internationally recognised park to more than 50,000 hectares.The acquisition includes Mundoo, Ewe and Long Islands, along with other surrounding islands off the eastern tip of Hindmarsh Island.Located just south of Goolwa, Mundoo Island Station sits at the end of the River Murray and is part of the 142,500ha Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Wetland – one of Australia’s most important wetland sites.Mundoo Island Station, which has operated as a cattle and sheep station for more than a century, will be destocked and grazing, cropping and fertiliser use ceased to enable significant wetland restoration and rehabilitation.Improved habitat will support native shorebirds as well as dozens of migratory bird species, including the critically endangered curlew sandpiper and far eastern curlew.Transforming the station into a protected national park also provides opportunities for the reintroduction of threatened fish species like the Yarra pygmy perch, Southern pygmy perch, Murray hardyhead and purple-spotted gudgeon.The existing Lawari Conservation Park, on the eastern side of nearby Hindmarsh Island, will be incorporated into Coorong National Park.Premier Peter Malinauskas says his government has delivered massive increases to the state’s national park network, and Mundoo Island represents a significant new addition.“Situated at the junction of the Ramsar wetlands of Lake Alexandrina, the Coorong and the Murray Mouth, this is a significant site of biodiversity, cultural and environmental significance.“By transforming the island from a grazing property into a park, we can help restore the environment, protect threatened and endangered species, and improve water quality.”To help run the bigger park, the state government will prepare a new management plan to guide management of the new additions.Finniss MP David Basham has welcomed the acquisition, saying the investment in Mundoo Station shows the power of community advocacy. “As Shadow Minister for Climate and Environment, I have consistently supported efforts to protect critical sites like Mundoo Station, which play an important role in water quality, environmental health and the long-term sustainability of the Lower Lakes system, he says.” "This outcome has been driven in no small part by the determination and advocacy of local residents. “I particularly want to thank the Clayton Bay community, whose residents have been unwavering in their efforts to ensure governments understood what was at stake. Their commitment to protecting Lake Alexandrina, local amenity and the surrounding environment has been exemplary.” “While this investment is an important step forward, it is equally important that it is followed by transparent management, ongoing community engagement and clear outcomes for the environment and local residents.”In addition to its environmental value, Mundoo Island is culturally significant to the Ngarrindjeri people and contains registered Aboriginal heritage sites.DEW will work with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation to ensure these important sites are protected, including the ‘Meeting of the Waters’ where the River Murray and Coorong and surrounding waters connect.

Alexandrina Council has announced the recipients of its 2026 Australia Day Awards, which will be celebrated  at official ceremonies in Strathalbyn at 9am and in Goolwa at 11am on Monday 26 January.These awards publicly honour those who serve the community and make Alexandrina a better place:Goolwa & SurroundsCitizen of the Year 2026 goes to Kate Waldmann of Port Elliot, who will be recognised for her service to the Port Elliot National Trust, to the preservation of local historic records, the Navigator Book Club, the Hotham Uniting Church, and the Horseshoe Hub. Young Citizen of the Year 2026 is Django Westmoreland, from Currency Creek, recognising his dedication to conservation volunteering and environmental education and leadership with BirdLife Australia and the Green Adelaide Youth Environment Council, as well as his involvement with the Nature Festival, Coral Street Art Centre, Wild Earth Oceanea and Investigator College’s Sustainable Futures Day.Community Event of the Year 2026 will be awarded to the Rotary Club of Goolwa Carp-A-Thon, held at Bristow Smith Reserve in Goolwa on 4 October. An Active Citizenship Award for 2026 goes to Diana Keach of Goolwa, recognising her volunteer service transforming Rotary Centenary Park at Goolwa Beach into a tranquil community space. The Mayor’s Community Service Award for 2026 will be awarded to Tooperang War Memorial Hall Inc for its February Extravaganza Outdoor Concert, featuring two bands.Strathalbyn & SurroundsCitizen of the Year 2026 will not be awarded this year as the intended recipient unfortunately did not meet the Australian citizenship criteria set down by the Australia Day Council, which was not known by the person who submitted the nomination.Young Citizen of the Year 2026 goes to Isaac McInness, recognising his contribution to the Eastern Fleurieu School, Scouts, sport and the wider community despite his visual impairment and complex medical conditions. Community Event of the Year 2026 will be awarded to the Strath Rodeo, presented by the Lower Lakes Stockman’s Challenge & Bush Festival, with a sell-out attendance of 3,600 adults and children in its third year of operation, raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.Alexandrina Council will award two Active Citizenship Awards for 2026 for Strathalbyn and Surrounds.One goes  to Langhorne Creek Hub ‘Community Morning Tea’ Coordinators and Bakers for its monthly gathering for older members of the community, providing social connection and cohesion. The group also organises about 50 Christmas boxes.The other goes to Paul McLoughlin for his contribution in the voluntary role of Chairman and Manager of Gilbert's Motor Museum and to the business and tourism sector in Strathalbyn as co-owner of All In Good Time Antiques and his role on the Strathalbyn Tourism Association Executive Committee. The Mayor’s Community Service Award for 2026 goes to the Strathalbyn Strikers Adelaide Hills Junior Football Carnival, a weekend event involving 14 clubs, over 100 individual teams, and around 1,000 players. On behalf of Alexandrina Council, Mayor Keith Parkes extends his congratulations to all award recipients.“We are fortunate to have so many volunteers who serve our community in such a wide variety of ways—from preserving our local history, to caring for our environment, transforming local parks, running community fishing competitions and morning teas, and supporting local groups through major events.“Every one of these contributions helps make our region such a liveable, green and connected place,” he says.“It is inspiring to hear what our award-winners have contributed to our region. I would encourage our community to attend our Australia Day events in Strathalbyn and Goolwa so you can personally extend a warm thank you and congratulations to those who will receive an Australia Day Award.”Strathalbyn Strikers Presidents Nick Brook Paul McLoughlin Kate Waldmann Diane KeachDjango Westmoreland Isaac Mcinnes

Construction of a Coastal Sea Defence Wall between Fell Street and Charles Street in Encounter Bay is almost complete, with only minor works remaining, according to the City of Victor Harbor.Work on the project started in late April 2025, with the council engaging CATCON to undertake the construction.It says the new Coastal Sea Defence Wall is made of two elements - a rock revetment and a concrete wave wall. The rock revetment extends for the entire length of the project, while the concrete wave wall extends from Ridgeway Street to Charles Street - with height varying between 0mm and 650mm.The purpose of the wall is to provide immediate protection for community assets such as nearby roads and land. It will also offer long-term resilience for low-lying urban areas against storm surges, sea level rise and flooding.The remaining minor works are expected to be completed in early 2026, as weather and material supply allows. This includes:line marking for the shared user path and installation of a retaining wall and fencing between the shared user path and Ridgeway Street roundabout.Planting between Fell and Ridgeway Street will be done later in the year, when the weather is cooler.City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins is excited to see the area re-opened for public access ahead just in time for the busy holiday season.“Franklin Parade is now fully re-opened to two-way traffic and the Encounter Bikeway is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists once again. The area is looking fantastic,” she says.“Thank you to local businesses, residents and the broader community for their patience while the bulk of this important project was undertaken.“I’d like to congratulate both Council staff and CATCON for their efforts on this project. It’s not easy to work directly along our dynamic coastline, navigating the ever-changing weather and tides plus our shorebirds and wildlife.“The new wall will help to mitigate increasing risks to both our natural environment and vital infrastructure as a result of the changing climate.”This project was primarily funded by the City of Victor Harbor, supported by grant funding from the federal government’s Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, the National Disaster Ready Fund and Coast Protection Board.

Strath Neighbourhood Centre will host a free school holiday escape room adventure on Thursday 8 January.The immersive escape room experience has been designed by young people, for young people! – aged 12 to 25.They will tackle six mental health-themed rooms over the course of an hour, working in groups of three or four people to crack the code and escape.Each room will be packed with puzzles to challenge the mind and stir the senses. The event will run from 11am to 3pm, with family and friends of young people aged 12–25 years welcome to join in. It is supported by headspace Victor Harbor, headspace Mount Barker, Alexandrina Council, and the Strath Neighbourhood Centre Inc. Book your time slot online. 

 Waterport Road in Port Elliot will again be affected by traffic delays, with SA Water set to begin road repair works from 12 January. The  upcoming two-week program of works follows installation of a new water main to Port Elliot last autumn. While the infrastructure upgrade was completed last year, water ingress during winter rainfall affected the road foundations, leading to a breakdown of the surface and increasingly rough driving conditions. Finniss MP David Basham says the repairs are an important step in restoring safety on a key local road. “Waterport Road is a vital link for Port Elliot residents and visitors, and the deterioration of the surface over winter has been a real concern for road users,” he says. “The reduced 60 kilometre per hour speed limit has been necessary for several months to manage safety risks, but these works will address the underlying issues and significantly improve conditions.” Mr Basham says the damage was caused by water penetrating the road base during winter following the earlier water main installation. “This repair work is about fixing what happened beneath the surface. Once water gets into the foundations of a road, it can cause serious and ongoing damage if not properly addressed.” During the works, one lane of Waterport Road will be closed, with traffic managed under stop/go conditions. “I ask motorists to please be patient and allow extra time while these essential repairs are completed,” Mr Basham says. “I know traffic delays are frustrating, but this work will deliver a safer and more durable road for the long term.” The works are expected to take approximately two weeks, weather permitting.

A driver has lost his car and his licence after being caught drink driving at Moana last night.About 8.50pm on Sunday 4 January, police received reports of a white BMW sedan driving recklessly before getting bogged off of Indigo Road.Police attended and breath tested the driver who allegedly produced a blood alcohol reading of 0.109. There was a teenage passenger in the car at the time.A 30-year-old man from Moana was reported for drink driving and issued with a six-month instant loss of licence. His car was impounded and he will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

The Fleurieu Art Foundation has announced details of the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize 2026.The non-acquisitive South Australian art prize is open to Australian visual artists aged 18 years or over who create two or three dimensional artworks.Judges will award two prizes; the Fleurieu Art Prize of $20,000 and an Emerging Artists prize of $5,000. A people’s choice award of $2,500 will be made at the end of the exhibition to the artwork voted as most popular by people who attend.Artists are invited respond to the theme A Sense of Place by submitting previously un-shown artworks, across multiple platforms and disciplines, produced after 1 January 2025.The exhibition will be held from 5 June to 5 July, with finalists exhibited at the Fleurieu Arthouse in McLaren Vale and the winners announced on opening night. Online entries will open on Monday 16 March and close at midnight on Sunday 12 April.Potter and sculptor Ashlee Hopkins won the 2024 Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize with her piece Forest Ochre in Open Form.Full details of the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize 2026 can be found on the website.

SafeWork SA is warning people thinking about riding quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles over the summer holidays about the dangers following a spike in deaths over the past two years.Since 2011, 234 Australians have died in incidents involving quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles, with men accounting for more than 80 per cent of fatalities, figures from Safe Work Australia show.In South Australia, there have been a total of seven deaths in 2024 and 2025, the first in the state since 2021. The majority of the deaths in the past two years were farmers.Quad bikes are four-wheel vehicles with a saddle-style seat. Side-by-side vehicles are four-wheeled vehicles that often have seatbelts, side-by-side seating and a rollover protection cage. All are often called all-terrain vehicles.Quad bikes are one of the leading causes of injury and death on Australian farms with deaths occurring equally during work and recreational activities.Most incidents occur when quad bikes roll over, throwing riders from the quad bike or trapping them underneath where they can be crushed or suffocate.Between 2011 and 2024, 77 per cent of quad bike related deaths in Australia involved adults over 50 years of age and 12 per cent involved children under the age of 16. To minimise risks, quad bike riders are being urged to:•   Always wear a helmet.•   Use a quad bike with rollover protection.•   Never let children ride adult quad bikes, even as a passenger.•   Don’t carry passengers on quad bikes that are meant for one person.•   Avoid riding on rough terrain or steep slopes, excessive speed or sudden manoeuvres. •   Don’t override safety features. The Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard was introduced in 2019 to reduce the risk of injury or fatality caused by quad bikes.It requires new and imported second hand quad bikes to have minimum stability levels, include rollover protection, and display clear safety warnings at the point of sale.To prepare safely before every ride you should: •   Tell someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return.•   Wear protective clothing and gear. This includes a helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves or hand protection.•   Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.•   Always carry a mobile phone or radio device so you can get help in case of an emergency. 

An intruder was arrested by police inside a Christies Beach home after breaking in last night.About 7.30pm on Saturday 3 January, police were called to a home on Saltash Avenue, Christies Beach after a man was seen remotely on CCTV kicking the front door in and gaining entry.Southern District Police quickly responded and confronted the man, who was still inside the property. The man allegedly punched an officer in the face causing minor injuries before he was able to be restrained.A 21-year-old man from Christie Downs was arrested and charged with serious criminal trespass, assaulting a prescribed emergency services worker and resist police.He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday.Crime scene investigators attended and examined the property.The homeowner was not at home at the time of the break-in.3042

South Australians are being urged to be bushfire ready this summer as the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) strengthens its bushfire planning, mitigation and frontline firefighting capability. The state government has provided an additional $955,000 to boost CFS capability this summer, including for new water storage tanks and improved fire refuges. The funding is in response to its Taskforce Fireguard which assessed the fire danger outlook for the 2025-26 Fire Danger Season. Measures include:Five temporary water tanks have been placed in the high-risk areas of Mylor, Salt Creek, Tothill, Cummins, and Lucindale.Additional contracted heavy machinery such as bulldozers or graders which will be put on standby during high-risk days this summer to be readily available for dry firefighting.Progression of Bushfire Safer Places Project, which assesses the suitability of Bushfire Safer Places and Bushfire Last Resort Refuges across the state.The CFS is also poised to upgrade its bushfire mitigation and planning with the rollout of the next generation of Bushfire Management Area Plans (BMAPs). The BMAP 2.0 project will deliver modern, robust, and scientifically informed systems to guide bushfire risk reduction across South Australia. The project is jointly funded through $1.8 million from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Disaster Ready Fund and an additional $2.7 million over four years from the state government. Householders are also being urged to download the Alert SA app this Summer. The app provides real time notifications from the CFS, the Metropolitan Fire Service and the State Emergency Service about bushfires and other emergencies. Premier Peter Malinauskas says South Australians are well aware of the dangers faced by bushfires over the summer months, but cannot afford to be complacent.“While we must do all that is possible to reduce the risk of bushfires, we should always be prepared for the worst.“By downloading the Alert SA app, you can get live notifications of incidents and other information that could save your life in the event of a bushfire or other emergency.CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin says preparing for the serious risk of bushfires is a shared responsibility and he urges all South Australians to do their part to stay safe this Fire Danger Season. “These exciting initiatives are part of the CFS ongoing commitment to continual improvement and ensuring that SA is prepared for future challenges.Ensure you’ve created or reviewed your Bushfire Survival Plan, prepared your property, and subscribed to warnings via the CFS website or Alert SA app.”