Kangaroo Island Council has announced it is working with Advance Kingscote to establish a dedicated dog park in the Brownlow Parklands.It says community consultation revealed strong support for a fenced exercise area where dogs can safely play and socialise. Key survey results included:94 per cent in favour of a dog park.87 per cent said they would use or maybe use it.19 per cent would visit daily and 36 per cent a few times a week.The approved plan includes separate enclosures for small and large dogs; a dog-friendly drinking fountain; and rubbish bins for convenience.The project will be developed over the next few months, with no completion date yet set.

The playground in Goolwa’s Bristow Smith Reserve will be partially closed for maintenance during the first week in March.Alexandrina Council opened the popular nature play space in 2016; it features a 10-metre long restored wooden fishing boat, Parkour elements, water play with a creek bed, sensory wall, climbing nets, basket swings and stepping logs.There is also an upgraded beach area on the banks of the River Murray, barbecues and shelters.The 1911 MV Premier was donated for the play space and almost a decade of weathering has left the boat in need of attention.Council contractors will spend the week from Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March sanding and oiling the old fishing vessel.Weather permitting, the boat play area will be reopened to the public for the following weekend.The remaining areas in the playground will be open during the maintenance works.

New laws to help authorities crack down on stalking have passed State Parliament. The reforms, developed in consultation with victim support services and the justice sector, lower the threshold required to prove the offence of stalking, making it easier for authorities to take action against perpetrators. The reforms reduce the threshold for criminal offending, in order to capture a broader range of harmful stalking activities. The reformed stalking offence will cover stalking with intent to cause any physical or mental harm instead of only serious physical or mental harm. The reforms will also ensure the offence will apply even if a person who does stalking activities did not specifically intend to cause harm or fear, but should reasonably have known that the conduct would be likely to cause harm or fear. Further, to address misconceptions about what the types of behaviour that constitute stalking, the offence will now also be known as ‘stalking and harassment’ – which incorporates broader activities that can constitute the offence, including harassment via communication and surveillance technologies.Attorney General Kyam Maher says these changes will help to hold perpetrators to account, and also better define what constitutes this type of offending. “Stalking and harassment are vile forms of offending with particular effect on those seeking to leave abusive relationships and it’s essential that authorities have every tool available in their arsenal to help combat it. “These reforms also update the types of behaviours that can be considered stalking and harassment, to ensure new and emerging forms of technology – such as using devices to track a person’s movements or to monitor their communications – are also covered.”

SA Power Networks celebrated the official opening of its new depot in Seaford on Tuesday 18 February, declaring it a significant milestone in supporting the growing needs of the southern suburbs and Fleurieu Peninsula.The facility spans 25,000 square meters and replaces the 6,000 square metre Morphett Vale depot.It aims to provide a modern and efficient base for crews to undertake critical projects and maintenance, catering for substantial growth in the region with development plans underway for new homes and business including plans for 1700 at Sellicks Beach, 600 at Noarlunga and 3600 at the old Port Stanvac refinery site.SA Power Networks CEO Andrew Bills says this growth necessitates an upgraded infrastructure network to meet increasing demand. "This new depot is a significant investment in the future of our network in Adelaide’s south."It will improve our ability to deliver network projects and respond to network events, more efficiently, and ultimately ensure that we continue to strengthen our focus on network reliability in the Fleurieu region.” Mayor of the City of Onkaparinga, Moira Were AM, spoke at the official opening.“With thousands of new homes earmarked across Onkaparinga, one of our key focuses has been ensuring and advocating for the right infrastructure to be in place at the right time,” she says.“This new depot is a prime example of that, and we’re pleased it’ll help meet the needs of Onkaparinga’s growing suburbs for many years to come.”Features of the new Seaford depot include:Eco-friendly design: Incorporating sustainable features such as 98kW of solar panels to offset energy consumption, a 75,000-litre stormwater storage tank to minimise environmental impact, and a retention basin to collect and filter surface runoff before discharge.Expanded operational capacity: Featuring a 2,000 sqm logistics warehouse, 10 undercover EWP bays, a 225 sqm store, and expanded meeting space.Enhanced crew facilities: Providing comfortable and well-equipped spaces for crews to rest and prepare for their shifts, including indoor and outdoor eating areas and a kitchen.Sustainable transport: Charging facilities for 2 EVs, with the capacity to expand to up to 16.Improved safety features: Incorporating the latest safety measures, including CCTV and electric fencing, to protect our crews and the community.“The opening of this depot marks a significant milestone in our ongoing investment in South Australia’s electricity network. It reflects our commitment to providing a reliable and resilient electricity supply to support the growth and prosperity of this region,” Mr Bills says.City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were and SA Power Networks CEO Andrew Bills officially open the new Seaford depot. Picture by Frankie the Creative.

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a single-vehicle accident on the off-ramp to McLaren Vale from Adelaide.While the crash has not caused any significant traffic disruptions, motorists are advised to remain vigilant as some vehicles are slowing down near the scene. Authorities urge drivers to stay focused and avoid unnecessary delays.Further details on the incident remain limited at this stage.

A woman has been arrested, and a significant quantity of drugs and cash seized following a police operation in Morphett Vale.Just before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, officers conducted a search at a home on Padget Street, uncovering Methamphetamine, Suboxone, 1,4-Butanediol, and a large sum of cash.As a result, a 36-year-old woman, who resides at the property, was taken into custody. She has been charged with drug trafficking and money laundering offences.The woman has been remanded in custody, and police investigations are ongoing.Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.(Reference: CO2500007079)

The state’s largest membership organisation is calling for greater investment in natural disaster mitigation measures and more resilient homes to reduce pressure on insurance premiums.According to an RAA survey:80 per cent of South Australians are becoming more concerned about the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the potential impact on their homes and properties.63 per cent of South Australians would support greater investment in disaster mitigation measures to protect homes and properties from natural disasters like bushfires and floods.The results have prompted the state’s largest insurer to reinforce calls for a number of measures that will better protect homes and communities from natural disasters and reduce pressure on insurance premiums, including: Greater levels of funding for disaster mitigation to protect homes, communities and infrastructure by expanding the Federal Government’s $200 million Disaster Ready Fund to an indexed 10-year program.Divert revenue from the 11 per cent duties and taxes on general insurance products to disaster mitigation measures.Better land use planning to make sure homes aren’t built in high-risk flood and bushfire areas. Update the National Construction Code to build more resilient homes and a commitment from the State Government to reflect resilience measures in our building code. RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade says the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events was putting more homes at risk than ever before and putting pressure on insurance premiums.“Even before the LA bushfires, eight in 10 of our members were already concerned about the impact of climate-related disasters on their homes,” Mr Reade says. “With more extreme weather events, we’re seeing the risk to homes and properties increasing – and that’s putting real pressure on the affordability of insurance across the globe.“We don’t want a situation where the risk continues to increase to the point where insurance becomes unaffordable or inaccessible for some households. “When you look at the numbers, it’s quite alarming – 1.2 million properties in Australia have some level of flood risk and 5.6 million homes are at risk of bushfire.“In South Australia, proposed changes to planning laws estimate more than 80 per cent of homes in the Adelaide Hills are at risk of bushfire and we’ve already seen the devastation the flood risk along the Murray River can cause.“The Productivity Commission estimates 97 per cent of all disaster funding is spent on recovery and clean-up, leaving only 3 per cent invested into mitigation and resilience – we need to see a much greater balance in those figures.”Mr Reade says diverting the 11 per cent tax on all general insurance products would drive greater investment in disaster mitigation, which would ultimately ease pressure on premiums in the long term.“It’s a growing problem that requires leadership from all levels of government on multiple fronts.“We need greater investment in disaster mitigation infrastructure, better land-use planning to make sure we’re not building homes in high-risk areas, and we need to build more resilient homes.“Given South Australians are paying 11 per cent tax on all home and motor insurance policies in South Australia, we’d expect that funding to be diverted to disaster mitigation measures to protect those homes and cars.“We have more than 825,000 members in South Australia, and our survey shows two thirds of respondents want more funding allocated to mitigation measures.“We’re talking about investing in infrastructure like flood levees, better storm water management systems and bushfire prevention measures to help reduce the risk to properties and communities.”

Applications for Credit Union SA’s education initiative, the School Impact Program, are now open for 2025, offering all South Australian schools the chance to receive funding for vital programs, activities and learning facilities.Launched last year, the School Impact Program is a 10-year commitment to inject $1 million into the South Australian education system, across metropolitan and regional schools. In the inaugural 2024 program, $115,000 was awarded to 30 eligible schools, including Victor Harbor Primary School, relieving the financial pressure that would normally fall on further fundraising from the school community.This year, the School Impact Program has been extended to include every school in South Australia so that all Public, Catholic and Independent school communities can apply for project funding between $2,000 and $20,000 to help students and staff thrive.Credit Union SA CEO Todd Roberts says, “Access to good education is a key part of building a strong community, and the School Impact Program helps support schools to make a difference by enhancing their learning experiences.“Last year we saw our funding enable schools to upgrade facilities, take students on school camps or excursions, support teachers’ wellbeing and training, and support extracurricular programs. “We can’t wait to see the applications we receive in 2025, and we encourage every school leader to apply.”Victor Harbor Primary School was one of the program funding recipients from 2024.“We are so grateful to Credit Union SA for the funding we have received through the School Impact Program, which will cover half the running costs for our attendance bus in 2025,” says Principal Jess Morris.“Being a regional school, this bus service is so important to enable our students to attend school daily, when transport is a challenge for some families, as well as provide transport for class excursions so that all students can experience a full learning experience.”Applications can be submitted online until Friday 4 July. Schools will then be shortlisted, and judging will commence in Term 3.A selection committee of three Credit Union SA staff and two Department for Education representatives will review the applications.For more information visit the Credit Union SA website.

Most people visit a cellar door for the wine. But at Kimbolton Wines in Langhorne Creek, guests are just as likely to leave talking about the man behind the counter. Meet Matthew Greenwick. A Strathalbyn local, Matthew has become an unexpected fixture at the award-winning Kimbolton Wines, known just as much for his knowledge of wine as for the ever-growing collection of potted plants that quietly appear throughout the cellar door.His commitment to service has recently been recognised through the Fleurieu Peninsula Service Stars program, an initiative designed to celebrate the people behind the region’s thriving visitor economy. He was nominated by visitors and industry peers alike for his warm approach and genuine enthusiasm.For Matthew, hospitality is more than pouring a glass of wine—it’s about creating an experience that lingers long after visitors leave. A friendly face behind the bar, a well-timed recommendation, or a beautifully curated cheese platter—these are the details he takes pride in, elevating a simple tasting into something memorable. “He genuinely gets as much joy out of someone else having a good time as they do,” says Nicole Clark, co-owner of Kimbolton Wines. “That’s what makes him special.” Matthew’s journey into hospitality wasn’t planned. Balancing studies with weekend shifts, he initially saw the role as a temporary opportunity. But somewhere between the carefully poured tastings and conversations with guests, he found himself falling in love with the industry. “I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind wine, the people who make it, and the way a great experience can shape someone’s perception of a region,” Matthew says. That philosophy extends to his quiet, unofficial side project—bringing life to the Kimbolton cellar door, one plant at a time. It started with a single pot, and before long, a collection had sprouted, giving the space an unexpected touch of personality.“Every now and then, a regular will comment on a new plant, and I know they’ve noticed,” Matthew laughs. “It’s a small thing, but it makes the space feel lived-in and welcoming.” And when the day winds down? You’ll find him enjoying a well-earned glass of Kimbolton’s 2022 Bella Monte Sparkling Montepulciano, toasting another day of doing what he loves. Langhorne Creek may be one of South Australia’s best-kept wine secrets, but its hospitality workers make an impact that resonates far beyond the region.As part of his recognition as January’s Fleurieu Service Star, Matthew has won a dining experience for two at either 4ORE, Nino’s, or Loco Mexican in Victor Harbor and two tickets for Big Duck Boat Tours’ Sea Wirrina Experience.Kimbolton Wines is also in the running for a featured broadcast segment on Hello SA, supported by Adelady. “Matthew embodies everything that makes the Fleurieu Peninsula special,” says Merrin Ozols, Executive Officer of Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism. “He reminds us that tourism isn’t just about beautiful places—it’s about the people who make those places come alive.” Whether it’s through a perfectly poured glass of wine, a quiet recommendation for a local hidden gem, or a well-placed potted plant, Matthew has made his mark at Kimbolton Wines. And if you visit anytime soon, don’t forget to look around—you might just notice a new addition to the greenery. Know Someone Who Deserves Recognition?The Fleurieu Peninsula Service Stars program is all about celebrating the locals who go above and beyond to make the region unforgettable. Nominations are now open for the February Service Star. To find out more or submit a nomination visit the website. 

A woman was arrested for drug trafficking after being pulled over by police at Aldinga last night.Police stopped a vehicle on Old Coach Road, Aldinga just after midnight on Wednesday 19 February.Police checks revealed the driver, a 26-year-old Aldinga Beach woman, was currently disqualified from driving.She was allegedly found in possession of an amount of what is suspected of being methamphetamine.  A search of her vehicle revealed more methamphetamine, scales, plastic bags and other paraphernalia.She was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled drug and driving while disqualified and bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on 3 April. Her vehicle was towed from the scene and impounded.Police also searched her Aldinga Beach home and allegedly located and seized a small quantity of drugs.Following investigations, her passenger, a 30-year-old North Plympton man, was also reported for drug trafficking and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

Regional Development Australia, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island is urging local businesses to get grant ready, with applications due to open on 3 March for its Hills & Coast Business Grant.The RDA has created a four-point checklist to help businesses prepare applications:Finalise the project and prepare a high-level breakdown of project costs, including expected gains.Get quotes organised. They must less than three months old, with preference for local suppliers  where possible.Have a clear business plan that shows how the grant will support growth.Have financial details in order, with the latest profit and loss statement and a 2-year financial forecast.The grant is open to all manufacturing businesses undertaking a process of value-adding and/or the processing of raw materials or parts into finished goods across the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.The RDA’s Hills & Coast Business Grant received national recognition in the 2023 Economic Development Awards for Excellence.It has financially supported 21 regional manufacturers since its inception.More information will be available The RDA AFKI website when grant applications open on Monday 3 March.

Kangaroo Island has marked a new chapter in regional air travel with the first QantasLink Dash-8 Q400 flight arriving at Kingscote Airport yesterday, Monday 17 February.Mayor Michael Pengilly welcomed the introduction of the larger aircraft, highlighting its potential to boost visitor numbers and strengthen the Island’s connection to Adelaide.“The arrival of the Q400 is an exciting development for Kangaroo Island. We expect to see increased passenger numbers through Kingscote Airport, supporting both local travel and tourism. “More flights and greater capacity will provide a real boost to businesses, particularly in the tourism sector, as well as improving access for our residents. The Q400’s arrival follows QantasLink’s recent expansion of flight services to Kangaroo Island in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission. Introduction of the larger aircraft will to boost overall seating capacity by 48 per cent year-on-year, providing greater flexibility for visitors and supporting local tourism and business.QantasLink has reaffirmed its commitment to regional connectivity, with CEO Rachel Yangoyan touting the benefits of the Q400 for the region.“We are excited to be bringing our larger 74-seat Q400 aircraft to Kangaroo Island.“This is great for tourism and locals as it will boost capacity between Kangaroo Island and Adelaide by 48 per cent year on year, giving more tourists the opportunity to visit this idyllic Island.“Moving our Kangaroo Island flights to the Q400 aircraft is part of Qantas’ investment in keeping regional Australia connected, and the larger aircraft offers more seats, a faster flight time and will improve reliability.”To celebrate the milestone, Kangaroo Island Council, in collaboration with QantasLink and Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance, held a small welcome event at Kingscote Airport. Passengers on the first Q400 flight were greeted with a taste of the Island’s renowned local produce, generously provided by Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance and KI Providore.

A woman has been caught allegedly driving nearly nine times over the legal alcohol limit in Strathalbyn late last night.Just after 11pm on Monday, February 17, police were called to a service station on South Terrace after a witness reported a woman asleep behind the wheel of a white Ford Escape, which was still running.Police attended and submitted the driver to a breath test, which returned a reading of 0.434—well above the legal limit of 0.05.The 41-year-old Mannum woman was reported for drink driving, issued an immediate 12-month loss of licence, and had her car impounded for 28 days. She will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

Tour Down Under is run and won but the cycling continues with the Tour of the Fleurieu this Saturday and Sunday 22 and 23 February.Adelaide Hills Cycling Club’s popular annual south coast cycling event will centre around Finniss on day one, with morning and afternoon stages.Stage one is a time trial on the Finniss-Clayton Road starting from 9.30am, while stage two is a road race in a loop around Milang, starting from 1pm.On Sunday, stage three is another road race, in a loop around Waitpinga, starting at 9am.The final leg, stage four, finishes the tour on a high with a hill climb up Crows Nest Road, starting at 2pm.Alexandrina Council has given advance notice of traffic restrictions around the cycling event, with various temporary speed restrictions in place on Saturday at Finniss, Clayton Bay and Milang and on Sunday at Port Elliot.For a full list of impacted roads, speed restrictions, times and event stage maps, visit the council website.For details of the event and how to take part, visit the Adelaide Hills Cycling Club website. 

Anyone interested in making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV), but not sure if it is the right choice can find out the facts at a free community presentation in March.In partnership with Green Adelaide and Second Nature Conservancy, Alexandrina Council will host the presentation on Tuesday 25 March at Goolwa Library.With 20 new EVs coming to market in the next year, now has never been a better time to look into the EV market.Long term EV owner and energy assessor Dan from EV Curious will speak, along with other local EV owners, about their experiences.Topics covered will include harnessing huge energy cost savings, by using an EV not just as a car, but as a battery; purchase options, including new and used EVs; charging and range basics.Find out about the transition from the combustion engine to a clean electric future.The free session will run from 6.30pm to 7.30pm; register to attend via Humanitix.

With landline phones almost obsolete, Independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie is calling on the federal government to extend the Universal Service Obligation (USO) to mobile phones.She says nearly 90 per cent of Australians have a smart phone and 60 per cent of Australians use their smart phone for all voice calls at home. Just 1.6 per cent of Australian solely use a landline for telecommunications.Despite the increasing number of mobile only households, mobile phone networks in the regions remain patchy, unreliable and non-existent in many areas.The USO is a long-standing consumer protection that supports access to phone services and payphones.Telstra is responsible for delivering the USO, and must provide standard telephone services on request to premises in Australia within reasonable timeframes, and make payphones reasonably available nationally. Ms Sharkie says mobile phone networks in the regions are critical for safety but unlike landlines, are not subject to a USO..  ‘Regional Australia does not have the same access to reliable mobile telecommunications that is ubiquitous in the cities. As a developed nation this is unacceptable.'The Universal Service Obligation was implemented to ensure all Australians had access to voice communications via fixed phone services and payphones, regardless of where they lived or worked.  “The USO has not kept up with technological changes in telecommunications and the uptake of technology by consumers, and consequently needs an urgent update.'The Government's consultation on modernising the Universal Service Obligation was announced in October 2023. It's now 2025 and we still don't have any commitments to provide better services in the regions.'More information on modernising the USO can be found online.

Story courtesy Coast Lines MagazineWords by Sarah Ansell, Second Nature.With summer in full swing, there are some actions you can take to help take the sting out of the sun in the garden. By making a few simple changes, you can ensure your plants thrive through the heat while conserving resources. Here are some key steps:Choose Native: Learn to love our local plants, they have survived in our environment for thousands of years. Once established, many species require minimal water and maintenance whilst providing essential habitat for native birds, pollinators and wildlife.Mulching: A layer of mulch can work wonders for your soil by reducing water loss, stabilising soil temperature, and suppressing weeds. Organic mulches like straw, bark chips, or compost break down over time, enriching the soil. Mulch also provides habitat and foraging opportunities for native lizards and birds.Providing Shade: During the peak of summer, some plants need extra protection. Adding shade cloth on permanent or removable structures or planting taller companion plants can create natural shade for more delicate flora. Positioning shade structures strategically helps prevent sunburn and reduces plant stress.Healthy Soil: Healthy, resilient soil is the backbone of a successful garden. Mixing compost into the soil not only boosts nutrient levels but also improves water retention. This creates a strong foundation for plants to cope with hot, dry conditions.Efficient Watering: Drip irrigation systems are highly effective for water conservation by watering directly to the root zone with minimal evaporation. You can set them up yourself with minimal financial investment. Use a timer on the garden tap to schedule watering times for deep watering early in the morning or late evening to reduce water waste and keep plants hydrated. Group plants with similar water requirements together for maximum efficiency.These simple adjustments can make a significant difference in your garden’s health and sustainability, keeping it lush and beautiful all season long.Second Nature are a not-for-profit environmental organisation based in Strathalbyn. To learn more about what we do, visit www.secondnature.org.au

Ag people in the City of Victor Harbor region have the opportunity for a Farmer's Catch Up on Wednesday 12 March.There they can meet and mingle with fellow local farmers and agribusinesses, while learning about government programs available to support enterprise during drought conditions.The event will be held from 12.30pm to 2pm at the Back Valley Tennis Club, with a barbecue lunch provided.Anyone wanting to attend should RSVP by Friday 7 March via email or phone 8551 0500.  To find out more about the City of Victor Harbor Agribusiness Working Group and PIRSA drought relief packages, visit the council website.

Conservationists, researchers and government have come together to launch a bold new plan to save threatened native bird species throughout the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Fleurieu. The Mount Lofty Ranges has one of the highest concentrations of threatened woodland bird species in Australia. Seventy-eight species are declining, and twelve species are already regionally extinct. The ReBird the Ranges Action Plan seeks to address this decline through restoring critical bird habitats through revegetation, protecting existing habitats and managing threats as well as researching, monitoring and adapting plans to improve bird recovery initiatives and increasing community awareness and participation in conservation efforts. This decline of bird species in the region can be linked to a combination of factors including habitat loss, changes to fire regimes, and the impacts of native and feral grazing animals on the remaining native vegetation. The effects of climate change are also expected to exacerbate these threats. ReBird the Ranges encourages the community to take an active role in species recovery, through hands-on habitat restoration and supporting conservation projects.Some projects are underway already, including:Revegetation of heathland in Deep Creek Conservation Park to support the western beautiful firetail, Mount Lofty Ranges chestnut-rumped heathwren and Mount Lofty Ranges southern emu-wren.Revegetation of low-rainfall grassy woodland in priority areas of the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, to support the diamond firetail, hooded robin, restless flycatcher, jacky winter, southern whiteface, chestnut-rumped thornbill and brown treecreeper.The state government has contributed $1.8 million to the initiative with staff involved from the Department for Environment and Water, Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board and Forestry SA.Minister for Climate, Environment & Water Susan Close says the Mount Lofty Ranges is an area of genuine ecological significance and is considered a biodiversity hotspot. “Unfortunately, many native woodland bird species now occur in very low numbers throughout the region, primarily due to historical clearance of native vegetation.  “We must act now to protect these species, which is why I am proud of this investment.” Other partners include local councils, Trees for Life, Second Nature Conservancy, Nature Foundation, Birds SA, The University of Adelaide, SA Water, Bio-R, Greening Australia, Nature Conservation Society of South Australia, Birdlife Australia and Conservation Volunteers Australia. For more information visit the website.