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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Australia’s riskiest roads as voted by the community have been revealed by RAA – with Fleurieu roads featuring too often.Curtis Road between Munno Para and Angle Vale received the most nominations as part of RAA’s Risky Roads survey, with more than 100 locals dobbing it in for severe congestion and safety concerns.Risky Roads is the biggest state-wide survey aimed at identifying unsafe roads or intersections, with the results used by RAA to advocate for infrastructure improvements. The survey received more than 1,800 nominations.Curtis Road is also home to the state’s riskiest intersection – at the junction with Heaslip Road in Angle Vale – which was the most nominated intersection for the second survey in a row. In second place on the intersections list is also the corner of Curtis and Andrews Roads.In second place overall, Victor Harbor Road was dobbed in as the riskiest regional road in the state, for its lack of maintenance and poor layout south of the recent duplication to McLaren Vale.Victor Harbor Road makes up one of five Fleurieu Peninsula roads in the top ten regional roads list, with others including Main South Road, Main Road between McLaren Vale and Willunga, Goolwa Road and Inman Valley Road.Overall, the top 10 Risky Roads in South Australia as voted by the community were:On Curtis Road, there were 143 crashes where someone was injured or killed between 2019-2023 – with the crash rate getting worse as traffic volumes increase.RAA is also recommending Curtis Road be under the control of State Government – not the Playford Council – due to its significance to the northern suburbs road network as a direct link between Main North Road and the Northern Expressway.RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matt Vertudaches says the survey highlights the pressure on Adelaide’s road network, especially in the northern suburbs.“Clearly, drivers in the northern suburbs aren’t satisfied with the condition of many of their roads – seven of the top 10 metro roads were located north of Adelaide.Mr Vertudaches says road maintenance was the most common concern raised across the top 10 metro and regional roads.“Sections of Victor Harbor Road, Main North Road and Black Top Road were just a few examples where drivers feel the poor surface is posing a risk to safety.“We continue to call for more investment to address our road maintenance backlog to improve safety, before the problem gets even worse.”For the full Risky Roads Report and Fact Sheet, visit the RAA website.

As the Easter long weekend approaches, South Australia Police is urging drivers to take extra care on the roads, particularly across the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.Operation Safe Holidays will run from Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April, with police targeting the Fatal Five contributors to road trauma: speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, seatbelt non-use, and dangerous road use.Hills Fleurieu Local Service Area Superintendent Joanne Howard said motorists can expect a strong police presence across the region to help ensure a safe weekend for all.“During last year’s Easter weekend, two people sustained serious injuries in a crash, and police detected 94 speeding offences, 26 instances of dangerous driving, and 14 drink driving offences,” Superintendent Howard says.“This year, we’re particularly focused on speeding and dangerous driving, including motorbikes hooning through the Hills. If you’re heading away with family or friends, please plan your journey with regular breaks and drive to the conditions.”Superintendent Howard also reminded drivers that the speed limit on country roads is 100km/h unless otherwise signed.In 2024, Easter road trauma across South Australia claimed three lives and resulted in 18 serious injuries. Police will again be highly visible on both metropolitan and regional roads to promote safer driving and reduce harm.“This Easter, keep it sweet—don’t take risks on the road,” she says.Anyone witnessing dangerous behaviour or needing to report a traffic incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Current and past members of the Victor Harbor Men’s Shed downed tools just long enough to launch their official history at a ceremony in their headquarters last Friday 11 April.Men’s Shed representatives from around the southern region joined in the celebrations, along with leaders from supporting organisations including Adare Church, Victor Harbor Rotary Club and City of Victor Harbor.The history was compiled by Victor Harbor Men’s Shed member Peter Zanker, who spent the best part of two years interviewing people, chasing down maps and plans, compiling photographs and any other information he could find for this historical reference.Peter says that while the group has been around in its most current form since 2011, the concept took hold much earlier.“From humble beginnings in the early 1970s when a group of women from the Adare Uniting Church were meeting for handcrafting and noticed the growing number of men who had lost partners or found themselves in caring roles or feeling lost after retirement. “Some of these women suggested the men find a meeting place of their own to support each other, keep busy and pass on skills.“Adare Church approached the Victor Harbor Encounter Centre about using the workshop and machines no longer used by the local TAFE college. And the rest is history.”  Peter says sometimes there were gaps in the story, “I would wonder what was missing, but then a few more questions, a bit more research and some more talking to members and we always filled the gap. “Of course, history never ends and so we will need to continue to record what we do as time goes on.”    Victor Harbor Men’s Shed President Darryl Keane says that when he hears that health professionals are recommending patients spend time at the shed, he is reassured about how worthwhile all their efforts have been over the years.“It is not even about the machinery in the workshop because we are so much more than just a shed. Our members have made it so much more. We are a home. We are a place to talk. We offer a good wholesome feed.”Finniss MP David Basham MP was pleased to attend the launch and says the Victor Harbor Men’s Shed plays an essential role in the community.“You offer camaraderie, wellbeing support, teamwork, a sense of belonging and community and a place for learning, maintaining and refining hands-on skills.“Members have told me how important the Men’s Shed has been in their lives and the sense of family and belonging it provides them.”The Victor Harbor Men’s Shed is located in a purpose-built shed on Martha Close, off Crozier Road in Victor Harbor; a copy of the history is available in the Victor Harbor Library. 

Attention drivers! Mobile police speed cameras will be monitoring country roads across the Fleurieu Peninsula from today through to Sunday, 27 April 2025. These cameras are part of an ongoing effort to improve road safety by encouraging responsible driving and enforcing speed limits.Whether you're commuting or enjoying a scenic drive, be mindful of your speed and help keep our roads safe for all.Below is the full list of country camera locations active this week. Drive safe, stay alert, and travel courteously.ALEXANDRINA RD, CURRENCY CREEKALEXANDRINA RD, FINNISSARMSTRONG RD, VICTOR HARBORASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNBULL CREEK RD, ASHBOURNEFORKTREE RD, CARRICKALINGAGOOLWA RD, CURRENCY CREEKGOOLWA RD, MIDDLETONLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN SOUTH RD, DELAMEREMAIN SOUTH RD, YANKALILLAMAIN SOUTH RD, WATTLE FLATMAIN SOUTH RD, MYPONGANORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTPAGES FLAT RD, MYPONGAPORT ELLIOT RD, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, GOOLWA BEACHSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSTRATHALBYN RD, FLAXLEYVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT COMPASSVICTOR HARBOR RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT JAGGEDVICTORIA ST, VICTOR HARBORWAITPINGA RD, WAITPINGAWELLINGTON RD, HIGHLAND VALLEY

Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island sport and active recreation clubs are set to receive funding to help them grow through the Active Club Program (ACP). The current round will see more than $1.3 million distributed to 565 recipients, across the state, helping clubs to further develop the programs and services they provide within the community. Nearly half of all grant recipients in this round are clubs based in regional or greater metropolitan areas, highlighting the grassroots benefits of the program across SA. The next round – the Drought Relief Round announced as part of the state government’s additional comprehensive drought support package – includes $2 million in assistance for regional clubs impacted by drought to provide accessible and affordable ways for their community to stay active. Funding can be used to break down barriers to female participation – covering period products, menstrual health training and resources, and inclusive uniform options. Other eligible project costs include investing in sporting equipment, professional development for coaches and staff, medical training and club promotion. Through the current round of the ACP, clubs with 100 or more members will receive $3,000, while those with 20-99 members will receive $1,500. The full list of ACP grant recipients is available online.Regional sport and active recreation clubs can apply for the new Drought Relief Round when the initiative opens later this month. Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily Bourke says the grants recognise the work of grassroots clubs and the staff and volunteers who keep them going.  “Having access to better uniforms and equipment, providing further education and delivering an inclusive space for girls and women will help clubs meet local needs. “Expanding this support to drought affected areas is another vital measure to help the many South Australians doing it tough to stay active.”Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island Active Club Program grant recipients to assist with program and equipment funding include many sports clubs.$3,000 grants will go to:Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club Goolwa Cricket Club Goolwa Netball Club Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club Goolwa Surf Life Saving ClubKingscote Football ClubMcLaren Football Club Parndana Sports Club Port Elliot Bowling Club Incorporated Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club Port Elliot Tennis Club Port Noarlunga Soldiers' Memorial Bowling Green Port Noarlunga Surf Life Saving Club Strathalbyn Football ClubFleurieu Aquatic Centre Strathalbyn Community Swimming Pool  $1,500 grants will go to:Back Valley Tennis ClubEncounter Bay Cricket Club Girl Guides Strathalbyn, Victor Harbor ,Willunga  Goolwa Hockey Club Goolwa Croquet Club Goolwa Tennis Club Great Southern Swimming Club Kingscote Netball Club South Coast Cycling Strathalbyn and Districts Little Athletics Centre Victor Harbour Tennis Club 

Police are investigating a serious incident that occurred at a Seaford shopping centre on this afternoon (Tuesday April 15).Around 2.40pm on 15 April, emergency services were called to the shopping centre on Commercial Road following reports of a violent altercation between a man and a woman.During the incident, the man sustained stab wounds to his neck. He was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.The woman involved was detained at the scene and is currently assisting detectives from the Southern District with their investigation.Police have confirmed that the incident is not believed to be random.Anyone who witnessed the altercation or has relevant information and has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestopperssa.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Kangaroo Island council has called for community involvement to combat a spate of vandalism across the island in recent weeks.Several acts of vandalism have been reported at council-managed sites, including Vivonne Bay Campground, Duck Lagoon, Reeves Point and the Kingscote Tidal Pool.The damage has included broken toilets, showers, soap dispensers and sharps units, graffiti, arson, damaged barbecues and theft of supplies, batteries and wiring.The clean-up and repair bill has reached almost $6000 in materials, labour and emergency callouts over the past month.The council says the cost has been approximately $1,630 at Duck Lagoon, $2,180 at Reeves Point, $1,700 at Kingscote Tidal Pool and $320 at Vivonne Bay. It says this repeated damage puts pressure on already limited resources, delays upgrades, and risks temporary closure of public facilities.Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour or knows anything that might assist in addressing the vandalism problem is asked to contact SAPOL on 131 444 or callCrime Stoppers on1800 333 000.

The City of Victor Harbor has announced a new Farm Business Support Grant Program, following a special council meeting on Monday 7 April.The program aims to provide assistance to local agribusinesses facing challenges due to current dry weather conditions.Grants will help farm businesses within the City of Victor Harbor council area maintain operations with funding to cover essential and unavoidable business expenses.The program was officially launched yesterday, Monday 14 April, providing an $80,000 funding pool for individual grants of up to $2,500.They can go towards power bills for water pumping for livestock; water, feed, fodder and other farm supplies; and freight expenses for water or feed.Grant applications opened this week and will close on Friday 30 May or when the budget is fully used.“The City of Victor Harbor recognises the significant challenges our local agricultural businesses are facing due to the current dry weather conditions,” says Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins.“The new Farm Business Support Grant Program is a direct response to the needs expressed by our farming community and the Council’s Agribusiness Working Group.“Our goal is to provide immediate financial assistance to help these businesses cover essential operational expenses and provide some relief during this tough time.”“We understand that power bills for water pumping, the cost of feed and water, and freight expenses can become significant burdens during dry period. This grant of up to $2,500 is designed to help alleviate some of that financial pressure for eligible agribusinesses within our City.”Council CEO Victoria MacKirdy is encouraging eligible businesses to apply and ask council staff for help with the application process if needed.“The application process has been designed to be as straightforward as possible for our farming community to access. We also have dedicated staff resources on hand to answer queries and assist with the application process,” Mrs MacKirdy says.“This grant program is just one part of the City of Victor Harbor's broader support for our agricultural sector. We are also actively working to provide information on other available support services, and our staff are available to assist farmers with navigating and applying for other relevant grants.”“We believe this immediate financial support, combined with our ongoing efforts to provide information and assistance, will help our local farm businesses navigate these challenging dry conditions and contribute to the long-term resilience of our agricultural community.”

The Cape Jervis Community Club will host a family fun day on Easter Sunday, 20 April.Kids can enjoy an easter egg hunt, face painting, Farmer Darcy’s Travelling Farm and The Amazing Drumming Monkeys.The day will also feature games and activities, lots of great food choices and live music from the Boogie Men.  It runs  from 11am to 3pm, finishing with a fun colour run at 2.15pm.General entry is free, but participating in the colour run costs $5 per person on $15 for a family.Part of the 2025 Festival Fleurieu, the family fun day is sponsored by Cape Jervis Progress Association and Bendigo Bank.

Emergency services were called to a property in Christie Downs in the early hours of this morning following reports of a fire.Just after 2am on Monday, 14 April, police and fire crews responded to the incident on Hyacinth Crescent, where a shed at the rear of the property was found alight.Thankfully, no injuries were reported.The cause of the fire remains unknown, and crime scene investigators are expected to attend the site later today to determine how the blaze began.Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area, or who has information that could assist with the investigation, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

South Australians are being recognised for their exceptional commitment, care, hard work or innovation in South Australia’s child protection and family support system. Nominations are now open for South Australian Child Protection and Family Support Awards. The awards highlight the outstanding contributions of children and young people with experience of the system, birth and carer families, volunteers, staff, non-government partners and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in the critical child protection and family support sector. They are held through a partnership between the state government through the Department for Child Protection and the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. The following categories are open for nomination:Outstanding Achievement of a Child or Young PersonActive Efforts AwardThe Voice of Children and Young People in CareOutstanding Service Award – Positive ImpactOutstanding Service Award – Health, Wellbeing and DevelopmentOutstanding Service Award - Sector DevelopmentOutstanding Service Award – Regional ImpactSouth Australian Foster Carer of the YearSouth Australian Kinship Carer of the YearVolunteer of the YearCommunity Service AwardMinister for Child Protection Lifetime Achievement AwardKatrine Hildyard is South Australian Minister for Child Protection.“Every day, I am inspired by the individual and collective passion, determination and expertise of those who tirelessly strive to improve the lives of children and young people, as well as the young people themselves who overcome adversity and with resilience and strength, contribute so much to our community," she says. “Being engaged with the child protection and family support system is deeply rewarding and deeply challenging. It is complex and sometimes heartbreaking. Despite that, people are relentlessly driven to help improve children’s lives, to help them know they are not alone. “Our South Australian Child Protection and Family Support Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the determination, resilience, joy and hope of people in the system, and to shine a light on those who make a lasting and positive impact on children and young people. “I encourage South Australians to nominate those who have made a difference in the lives of children and young people and some of the remarkable young people themselves.Since the inaugural awards ceremony in 2021, more than 1000 nominations have been received, including more than 300 for last year’s awards. Uniting Country SA is this year’s gold awards sponsor, while the HenderCare Foundation and SYC are the silver sponsors. Nominations close on 16 May, with winners announced at the SA Child Protection and Family Support Awards on Friday 5 September ahead of National Child Protection Week. To find out more about the awards or nominate visit the website. 

The Country Fire Service along with Forestry SA is currently responding to a grass and scrub fire at Bull Creek, south of Meadows in the Mount Lofty Ranges.At around 10.45am, on Sunday 13 April, crews responded to reports of a car on fire on Bull Creek Road, which quickly spread into dry vegetation on the roadside.The fire burnt in a south-easterly direction towards Old Bull Creek Road, where crews have been successful in preventing further fire spread. There is still active fire burning within the incident perimeter, particularly amongst scrub, and this is expected to continue for several hours.There are currently 20 fire trucks and around 90 firefighters working on this incident, supported by firebombing and observation aircraft.Bull Creek Road is currently closed between Paris Creek Road and Phillips Hill Road. Old Bull Creek Road remains open, however drivers are asked to use caution in the area.Stay informedCFS website cfs.sa.gov.auInformation Hotline 1800 362 361For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361For teletype service TTY 133 677 then ask for 1800 362 361CFS on Facebook or XAlert SA Mobile AppFor emergencies call Triple Zero (000).