A prescribed burn is planned at Mount Compass today, Saturday 20 April, weather conditions permitting.The prescribed burn will start at 12.45pm and is likely to be completed by 4.30pm.The area to be burnt is 1.3 hectares on Arthur Road, directly across from the Mount Compass Area School.This is an ecological burn aiming to regenerate critical habitat for the endangered southern emu-wren.Arthur Road may be affected by smoke and will be reduced to one lane of traffic for the duration of the burn.Some smoke and fire activity may be observed in the days following the burn.National Parks and Wildlife Service crews will remain on site until safe.NPWSSA conducts a statewide program of prescribed burns to reduce the spread and intensity of bushfires, protect communities and enhance biodiversity. Prescribed burning is just one tool used to reduce fuel loads across strategic areas of public and private land.Prescribed burns will only be carried out when it is deemed safe to do so and may be cancelled at short notice.For the most up-to-date information and to find a list of planned prescribed burns, visit the DEW website.

Meet our lovable Pets of the Week. They are looking for their forever homes thanks to the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter.Boof and Clive are this week’s friendly Pets of the Week. These loving animals are waiting to find their perfect family. If you think that could be you, read more about them below.Dog of the Week – BoofMeet Boof (AID 188356) - a beautiful boy on the inside and out.Boof has been living at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter while he waits to find his happily ever after.At only seven months old, he is full of beans and excitement, and he’s ready to find a loving family that he can enjoy his life adventures with.A smart and social boy with an eagerness to learn, he would benefit from some force-free dog training classes.Could you open your heart and home to a delightful dog like Boof?This sweet boy is open to living with another dog-resident, but please bring your dog in to meet him first.  Read more about Boof and learn how to adopt him.Young playful Boof. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Cat of the Week – CliveThis gorgeous boy is Clive (AID 188437) and he’s been living at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter for the past month after he was found as a stray. Two-year-old Clive is a curious cat and is skilled at keeping an eye on everything – he would make the purrfect neighbourhood watch cat. An active boy, he enjoys having fun and playing with enrichment toys. Clive is super affectionate boy and loves attention – you’ll know when you’ve built a bond with him as he’ll rub against you and start to drool when he’s feeling happy. Clive would make the most loving family member and is open to sharing his furever home with another fur-resident.  Find out more about Clive and how to adopt him.Fun and playful Clive. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Visit the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter and add a new companion to your life – you won’t regret it.The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) South Australia is the state’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity.

Alexandrina Libraries are offering free workshops to get up to speed with the digital age, with sessions on podcasts and travel apps at Strathalbyn and Goolwa.Find out about the way podcasts have revolutionised the way content is consumed, offering genres ranging from true crime mysteries to thought-provoking discussions on science and society.This session on Monday 22 April at Strathalbyn library will walk through how to find and access podcasts from 10am to 11am.In Goolwa library on Tuesday 23 April potential travellers can discover useful apps that can help research holiday ideas and improve the travel experience.It will cover apps that provide travel reviews and safety advice; ways to book accommodation and access entertainment, as well as maps, rideshare and transport apps in Australia and overseas.The session will run from 9.30am to 10.30am.Both sessions are free but numbers are limited so book a place via Eventbrite for Strathalbyn or Goolwa.

Ratepayers in the City of Onkaparinga face a 6.8 per cent increase for the next financial year in the council’s proposed business plan and budget.The plan also includes cost cutting and a pause on grants in an effort to bring the budget into balance.A recent report from the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) found the City of Onkaparinga’s financial position is potentially unsustainable.The City of Onkaparinga’s draft Annual Business Plan (ABP) and Budget 2024–25 opens for community engagement from today, Friday 19 April, until 9am on Monday 13 May.Mayor Moira Were says the focus of this year’s plan is on budget repair.“Council has operated at a deficit for seven consecutive years, and we need to act now to return to a balanced budget as soon as possible,” Mayor Were says.“The elected members, management and I are all working towards this goal, while ensuring we can continue to provide the services our communities need.“We will still deliver $158.29 million in services, programs and asset maintenance, and $73.57 million in new projects and initiatives for the community.“But, to develop the budget this year we’ve also had to make some hard decisions.“We know some of these measures will impact people in the community, but they are vital to improve our overall financial position and ensure we can continue to deliver important and valued services to the community well into the future.“This budget will also meet all key financial indicators set for the local government sector.“This means delivering a surplus in our budget, committing to adequate investment in asset renewal, and ensuring debt remains within an acceptable range.”The key measures implemented as part of the budget include: A rate increase of 6.8 per cent (noting Adelaide CPI in December 2023 was 4.8 per cent), plus rates from new properties.Managing employee costs to achieve an additional $2.48 million in savings.Managing costs within the council’s control such as contracts, materials and other expenses, which are budgeted to rise by less than SA’s current CPI of four per cent.Recovering the full-service cost of the community wastewater management scheme.Pausing the grants program for 12 months to review the way the program delivers the best value.Onkaparinga CEO Phu Nguyen says the ABP and Budget was developed with reference to the February 2024 Essential Services Commission (ESCOSA) report, which identified challenges to council’s financial sustainability.“We were already aware of the issues identified by ESCOSA and we’ve continued to actively address them in this budget,” he says.“After seven consecutive years of budgets in deficit, the measures outlined in the ABP and Budget will return the council’s financial position to surplus.“To achieve this, we had to thoroughly analyse the causes of historic budget challenges and be bold in exploring the budgetary options available.“There are economic factors that are outside of our control such as CPI and interest rates. Those things affect our ratepayers, and they also affect council’s day-to-day work, so we must factor them in.“The rising cost of living, post-pandemic recovery, inflation, existing commitments, workforce, and energy prices all needed to be considered.“I was appointed as CEO in 2023 with a mandate to achieve tangible improvements in the council’s financial position and to drive this common objective.“The ESCOSA report affirms we are pointed in the right direction and has independently confirmed our assessment of the situation,” Mr Nguyen says.Go to the council's YourSay page for full details and to provide feedback.

The Willunga Environment Centre will host an orchid masterclass at McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre on Sunday 21 April.The Orchid Club of South Australia publicity team, Amber Stevens and Trev Garard will lead the workshop. Orchid enthusiasts are invited to take along plants for inspection and advice on diseases, pests, re-potting and more.This will be followed by a Q&A session and a break for refreshments - available from the café.The final session of the workshop will be the masterclass on Moth orchids, which are readily available and an easy to grow indoors.The event will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm and will also feature a huge raffle and some giveaways.Tickets cost $5, or $3 concession, which includes a raffle ticket, and can be booked via Humanitix.

Police are investigating a serious crash at Pelican Lagoon on Kangaroo Island overnight.A passing motorist came across a single vehicle crash on Hog Bay Road, Pelican Lagoon about 4.15am on Thursday 18 April.  The ute had left the road and hit a tree.The driver, a 69-year-old Dudley West man, who was the only occupant of the ute, sustained serious injuries and was taken to the local hospital before being airlifted to the mainland for treatment.Hog Bay Road was reopened to all traffic about 6am.

The District Council of Yankalilla has paid tribute to outgoing Councillor Bill Verwey, who has stepped down for personal reasons.“Throughout his tenure, he has represented Council on numerous committees, demonstrating great commitment to his role and to the community.”Mr Verwey was first elected to the council in a supplementary election for Light Ward February 2020.He was subsequently re-elected in the regular local government election in November 2022.Chief Executive Officer Nathan Cunningham has expressed his appreciation for Mr Verwey’s service.“On behalf of the District Council of Yankalilla, I sincerely thank Cr Verwey for his dedicated service to our community and I personally wish him well in tackling his next challenge.”The vacancy resulting from Cr Verwey’s resignation will trigger a supplementary election in Light Ward, which is the urban ward of the council, covering Yankalilla, Normanville and Carrickalinga. It is usually represented by five councillors and the rural ward, Field ward, is represented by four councillors.The supplementary election for the Light Ward vacancy will be held in July, with enrolment for the voters roll closing at 5pm on Tuesday 30 April.Nominations to run for council open on Thursday 23 May and will be received until 12 noon on Thursday 6 June.A candidate briefing session will be held on a date to be confirmed in late May.The election will be conducted by post, with voting packages sent out through the mail with a reply-paid envelope. to be returned no later than 12 noon on polling day, Monday 22 July.

One of the Clydesdales that pull the horse-drawn tram over the Granite Island causeway has died.The horse, Isabella, was euthanised on Monday 15 April following complications associated with Ross River Virus.Seven of the other eight horses in the Clydesdale team have also tested positive to the virus in the past four months.The popular tourist attraction is run by the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority, a subsidiary of the City of Victor Harbor.Its team of Clydesdales pull the tram that carries passengers across the causeway to Granite Island, usually operating several services every day except Christmas day.In a statement the council says the tram team is devasted at the loss of the much-loved horse.“Ross River Virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is common in many regions across Australia. It can cause similar symptoms in horses as it does humans. “Isabella had tested positive for the virus several weeks ago, initially experiencing a high temperature. Over time, she also suffered loss of appetite and neurological decline. “In line with advice from vets as symptoms worsened, Isabella was transported to Mt Torrens where she was able to receive specialised, intensive veterinary care for the past three weeks. “Unfortunately, a continuing decline in her health and the discovery of colic lead to the difficult veterinary decision to euthanise Isabella and put an end to her pain.”The council says the other horses are improving in condition and expected to make a full recovery.“While recovering from the virus, these horses have not been operating the Horse Tram.”The tram has been operating on a reduced timetable while the horses have been ill and this will continue as they recover. Visit the tramway Facebook page for more information.

Victor Harbor council has begun upgrading three beach access points in Hayborough.They include replacement stairs next to the Investigator Carpark and Alexander Street to ensure safe community access to the shore.The council says the new stairs have been engineered to better withstand erosion, high tides and future storm surges. It advises that beach access points may be temporarily unavailable while works are underway. The council says it expects all work will be complete by June, depending on  tide and wave action. 

Wine grape growers across the state who are experiencing challenges due to the current oversupply of red wine grapes will soon be able to access additional support. The Rural Business Support Relief Fund will assist by providing financial support with immediate grants to those eligible of up to $1,500 to accommodate routine costs. This will be in conjunction with business financial planning. The support aims to alleviate stress for grape growers, who have felt significant impacts owing to market disruption, severe weather events and natural disasters. A further $60,000 in funding is also being provided to Rural Business Support to increase Rural Financial Counselling Services for the wine and viticulture industry. The ethephon vineyard resting trial will also be extended to the next vintage to give growers time to make considered business decisions. By applying this growth regulating chemical, grape growers will be able to potentially save up to $2,000 per hectare in input, water, and management costs. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says the wine industry has been heavily impacted by disrupted market conditions and global over-supply.“I was delighted to see the lifting of the tariffs from China on Australian bottled wine.“The removal of tariffs has been welcomed by our grape-growers and wine industry.“The State Government is also supporting the wine and viticulture industry through a $1.85m re-engagement package that will assist the industry re-position South Australia as a market leader in China.” For more information on support for wine grape growers in South Australia visit the website.    

A man was arrested after being seen loitering at the back of a Christies Beach business yesterday morning.Police were called to a business on Beach Road, Christies Beach about 4.30am on Monday 15 April by reports of a man acting suspiciously around the back of the store.A patrol attended and located the man.  No offences had occurred, but police checks revealed the 49-year-old was wanted for questioning about a break-in at a local charity last month.He was arrested and charged with serious criminal trespass and theft.  He was refused police bail and appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court yesterday.Police encourage the public to report suspicious behaviour at the time on the police assistance line on 131 444 or Triple Zero in an emergency.CO2400013658

Finniss MP David Basham has highlighted the childcare shortfall on the Fleurieu and offered some hope to those affected.In a Facebook post the state Opposition MP says a critical shortage of childcare is consistently raised with him across his electorate.“Childcare providers informed me there is an up to 2-year waitlist for children to attend. “With cost-of-living pressures facing families and local businesses needing workers, this is a severe pain point affecting many in our community.”Mr Basham gave details of four prospective childcare centres, three in Goolwa and one in Chiton.He says construction has started on one in Goolwa, an 80-child capacity facility on Hutchinson Street.Another in Goolwa and the Chiton facility have been granted planning approval, while the third Goolwa centre is under planning assessment.Mr Basham says that this won’t provide an immediate solution for families currently on a waitlist needing childcare but he is pleased there is some hope.“Unfortunately, this complex problem is not unique to our community but is felt in regional areas nationwide… particularly in children within the 0-2 age group. “Many factors contribute to a childcare service shortage, such as staff, location, infrastructure and regulations.”Mr Basham says his office will continue investigating opportunities to improve the situation and urges anyone with concerns to share their stories to help inform decisions. Contact the office by email or phone 8552 2152.

The federal government has committed $17 million for a new project to improve shorebird and wetland habitat across South Australia's Coorong, Lower Lakes, Murray Mouth and South East landscape.Located at the base of the Murray River, the region is home to internationally recognised wetland that supports a diverse range of plants and animals including the endangered Australasian bittern and the vulnerable sharp-tailed sandpiper.The federal and state governments will work together to deliver the project, building on habitat restoration activities already underway in the region.The funding will:Deliver a range of localised infrastructure on wetland and floodplain flats to increase the area and duration of quality shorebird and wetland habitat.Maintain food webs and improve critical breeding habitat for foraging waterbirds and other threatened species.Improve outcomes for waterbirds and strengthen Australia’s commitment to international obligations including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.The South Australian Department for Environment and Water will work closely with relevant community groups, landholders and Landscape Boards to develop a regional approach to habitat restoration targeting smaller wetlands that cumulatively have a large impact and create a connected mosaic of habitats across the region.The integrated project will also work with First Nations groups to connect to Country and meet cultural obligations while ensuring the survival of healthy shorebird populations and vital wetland habitat.Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek says restoring the Murray Mouth, Lower Lakes and Coorong is a critical investment in the health of the whole system.“The Murray-Darling Basin is a vital for our communities, farmers and First Nations groups, and we must also work together to protect and restore wetlands within the Basin.“This new project will ensure the survival of our internationally significant wetlands and the plants and animals who call them home.”

Emergency services attended a crash at Angas Plains on Friday 12 April.A ute and tractor collided at the intersection of Davidson Road and Leslies Road, Angas Plains just after 11am.The ute driver, a 58-year-old Milang man, was airlifted to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.The tractor driver, a 46-year-old Meadows man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to the local hospital for treatment.Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

A drink-driver has been caught with a high blood alcohol reading at Hindmarsh Valley.It will be alleged that about 11.45pm on Sunday 14 April, police stopped a black Porsche sedan on Adelaide Road for a random driver test.The driver, a 24-year-old Encounter Bay man underwent a breath test and returned a positive reading of 0.221.He was reported for drink-driving, issued a 12-month immediate loss of licence notice and his car was impounded for 28 days.He will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

The top 10 regional sites for drivers caught speeding by both fixed and mobile speed cameras has been revealed by RAA – with half of them located in the Adelaide Hills and a third on the Fleurieu Peninsula.According to 2023 SAPOL data, the worst location in regional SA for drivers caught speeding was the fixed camera at Crafers on the South Eastern Freeway, which nabbed 7,012 motorists and cost drivers $3,985,553.In fact, the top four regional fixed cameras were all located on the South Eastern Freeway in the Adelaide Hills – three of them point-to-point cameras.Victor Harbor Road, from Whites Valley to Tatachilla, was the only Fleurieu location in the top ten for fixed cameras, at number seven, recording 344 offences at accost of $187,880.Of the worst mobile camera spots in regional SA, Ironbank Road in Ironbank clocked 772 speeding drivers at a total cost of $407,036. On the Fleurieu Battunga Road, Meadows, came in at seven; Paris Creek Road, Paris Creek, at nine; and North Terrace, Port Elliot at 10.Again, five of the top 10 regional mobile locations were located in the Adelaide Hills, with three on the Fleurieu, prompting an RAA plea for drivers to stick to the speed limit as school holidays begin.Charles Mountain is RAA Senior Manager Safety & Infrastructure. He says exceeding the speed limit by even a small amount increases the risk of a serious crash.“Excessive speed is one of the fatal five causes of road trauma – and contributes to 30 per cent of fatal crashes on our roads,” he says.“The list of regional fixed and mobile speed cameras shows thousands of drivers are either deliberately or inadvertently driving faster than the speed limit in our regions.“Other roads in the Hills may have lower traffic volumes and it may be tempting to creep over the limit – but doing so puts other road users at risk.“Drivers need to be aware that even small increases in speed mean you will travel a longer distance before you can react and bring your vehicle to a stop if something unexpected occurs on the road.”Mr Mountain says approximately 70 per cent of lives lost on SA roads occurred in the state’s regions.“We must remember to drive to the conditions and at a speed that allows us to safely respond to unexpected situations or come to a safe stop if required.“It’s also still important to be vigilant near schools even during the holiday period as some will be offering holiday programs so children may be present, particularly during drop off and pick up times.”Top 10 regional SA fixed speeding cameras – 2023 Location Type Offences Fines (incl. VOC Levy)South Eastern Fwy, Crafers Mid Block 7,012   $3,985,553South Eastern Fwy, Nairne to Callington Point to Point 1,239 $729,008South Eastern Fwy, Callington to Mt Barker Summit Point to Point 799 $462,301South Eastern Fwy, Nairne Point to Point 724   $414,315Port Wakefield Rd, Port Wakefield to Two Wells Point to Point 698 $417,773Port Wakefield Rd, Two Wells to Port Wakefield Point to Point 620   $363,833Victor Harbor Rd, Whites Valley to Tatachilla Point to Point 344   $187,880Dukes Hwy, Coonalpyn to Ki Ki Point to Point 319   $183,714South Eastern Fwy, Callington (west) Mid Block 252   $150,222Dukes Hwy, Ki Ki to Coonalpyn Point to Point 244 $141,316Top 10 regional SA mobile speeding camera locations – 2023 Location Speed Limit Offences Fines (incl. VOC Levy)Ironbank Rd, Ironbank 60 772 $407,036Kersbrook Rd, Kersbrook 80 678 $371,628Onkaparinga Valley Rd, Verdun 50 602   $267,373Sutton Ave, Mount Gambier 50 588 $230,321Alexandrina Rd, Mount Barker 50 496 $208,287Haylock Rd, North Moonta 50 428   $228,912Battunga Rd, Meadows 50 426   $207,083Murray St, Nuriootpa 50 410   $176,151Paris Creek Rd, Paris Creek 80 363 $205,045North Tce, Port Elliot 50 308   $118,569

Encounter Centre will hold a family fun day charity event on Saturday 20 April at its Victor Harbor base.Dubbed Close Encounters of the Artistic Kind, the day will feature exhibitions of local artists’ work; art and craft demonstrations; and art sales.Entertainment includes live music and performers from Circus Elements.Victor Harbor Goolwa Sea Rescue will attend with their new boat, as will Inman Valley CFS and the SES.Shop for Mother’s Day at the market stalls and enjoy sweets and treats from the food trucks and ice cream cart.The Encounter Community Centre is on Armstrong Road and will be open for the family fun day from 9am to 4pm.

The Rotary Club of Goolwa will hold a gargantuan garage sale next Sunday 21 April at Barrage Road in Goolwa South.Bric-a-brac, books, plants, clothes and household goods will be on sale from 9am to 3pm, weather permitting, opposite Bombora Cafe.The club has recently installed a collection box for old usable mobile phones at Goolwa Shopping Centre, secured next to the Rotary Notice Board.A company called DV Safe Phone in Qld reinvents the phones to be safe to donate to women, men and children in domestic violence situations.At the garage sale, EFTPOS will be available and all proceeds raised will go to the Wheelchair Foundation.

Boogie on down while raising funds for homeless people at a dance at Victor Harbor’s Lutheran Church Hall on Saturday 20 April.Mike and the Musos will  provide tunes of the 50s, 60s and beyond from 7pm to 10.30pm.It’s BYO supper and drinks. Tickets are $25; book via Trybooking.Part proceeds will go to Whalers Community Association, which is also holding a quiz fundraiser under the stars at the Coorong café on Hindmarsh Island on Saturday 27 April. Book via Eventbrite.