Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board has recognised that as South Australian farmers face the ongoing challenges of drought, the need for practical, equitable, and sustainable water solutions has never been more urgent. While calls to lift the ban on new dams reflect the real pressures on landholders, it says it’s important to understand why the current moratorium on new and enlarged dams in the Mount Lofty Ranges remains in place.Since 2013, this moratorium has helped protect the region’s limited water resources, ensuring that water continues to flow to where it’s needed most - to other farmers, communities, and the environment. Water in this region is a shared resource. When more is captured in private dams, less reaches downstream users and ecosystems that rely on natural flows to survive, especially during dry times.Paul Wainwright from Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board says the motion to ease dam restrictions is of serious concern, particularly given the mounting pressure on the region’s water equity.“Many catchments in the Mount Lofty Ranges are already overallocated. Further dam development would place unsustainable pressure on an already stressed system. “Additionally, around 30 per cent of water stored in dams is lost to evaporation. More water evaporating from more dams will further reduce water availability for everyone.“This isn’t about restricting farmers, it’s about ensuring long-term water security for all. The government is actively working with communities, to develop a Regional Water Security Strategy and update water allocation plans. “These updates aim to provide greater flexibility and support for landholders during both wet and dry periods.” Mr Wainwright says.The Landscape Board is encouraging farmers to explore water-efficient practices and alternative storage options that improve resilience without compromising the needs of others.Importantly, all land managers planning work in a watercourse or on a dam must obtain the appropriate development approval or a Water Affecting Activity permit. These safeguards ensure that any changes to the landscape are managed responsibly and sustainably.The Landscape Board acknowledges the hardship many farmers are facing and remains committed to working together toward a sustainable and secure water future for the entire region.

The playground on the Esplanade at Port Noarlunga South is getting an upgrade from City of Onkaparinga and its park needs a name.The council says the park is a space for everyone to enjoy and be proud of it wants a name that reflects the spirit and values of the community.It is calling for public input to the naming process, in line with its Road and Place Naming Policy. This says sources for public place names may include:Aboriginal names in the local Aboriginal language.early explorers, pioneers, settlers, or local/European history or heritage of the area.eminent persons.war/casualty lists.commemorative names.a person who has made a significant contribution to the local community.thematic names such as flora, fauna, nautical.the topography or physical attributes of the locality.those that reflect the historical, social, cultural and geographical significance or cultural diversity of the City of Onkaparinga.The Lions Club of Seaford & Districts has asked that the park be named for its club and incorporate the Lions International emblem.It says the name would reflect its strong support of the local community through charitable fundraising, student sponsorship, health support, emergency relief and environmental clean ups.All names suggested by the community will be shortlisted with the options put out for public feedback, before they are presented to the council for a decision on the park name. The deadline for suggestions is Monday 9 June, which can be made online.

The south coast community will demonstrate its concern for the state of local waters, affected by algal bloom, in a gathering on Saturday 24 May.Cedric Varcoe and Aunty Angelena Harradine Buckskin will lead a healing journey from Victor Harbor to Goolwa, helping connect everyone to land and sea Country. Organised by The Wild South and Rising Tide Adelaide, the journey starts at Warland Reserve in Victor Harbor at 9am and finishes at Amelia Park in Goolwa from 1pm for a community barbecue and open mic session.Participants are encouraged to walk, ride or drive the full walk, or just travel a section of it. Karenia mikimotoi algal bloom has been affecting waters around Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu since mid-March, most likely due to an ongoing marine heatwave.It has caused significant marine life deaths and triggered health symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation, particularly after exposure to discoloured or foamy water or sea spray. SA Health has advised people to avoid contact with discoloured, foamy or smelly water.Alexandrina, Kangaroo Island and Victor Harbor councils attended a state government briefing on Thursday 15 May, convened by Environment Minister Susan Close, with representatives from the Environment Protection Authority, Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), SA Health, PIRSA and the Department for Environment and Water. Little new information came from the briefing and the bloom is expected to persist until cooler weather and strong cold fronts assist with its dispersal. BOM modelling currently indicates no change is likely until mid-June.Full event details and how to get involved with the Walk for Water can be found on the Facebook event page.

19 May 2025 9:23pmA man has died following a fatal crash at Echunga this afternoon. Just before 5.30pm on Monday 19 May, police were called to Kavanagh Road at Echunga after reports a car crashed into a tree.Sadly, the driver of the car, a 68-year-old man from Lower Mitcham, died at the scene.Major Crash investigators attended to determine the cause of the crash.Kavanagh Road was closed to all traffic but has since re-opened.The man’s death is the 32nd life lost on South Australian roads this year.

Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) has proposed a roundabout for the intersection of Mawson, Battunga and Nottage Roads in Meadows to improve safety.It says the draft design includes better crossings for walkers and cyclists, improved traffic flow, and easier access for heavy vehicles with the final result a safer, smoother intersection.The plan proposes new raised pedestrian crossings and pedestrian crossing refuges.DIT has invited the community to have input on the final design of the roundabout, with two information sessions at the Meadows Memorial Hall.They will be held on Thursday 22 May from 4pm to 6pm and on Saturday 24 May from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.Feedback is open on the draft concept design until Friday 13 June; for more information and to have a say visit the DIT website. 

Aerial shark patrols along the state’s coastline will be extended until the June long weekend, following unseasonably warm weather and an increase in shark sightings at popular beaches.  This patrol season – which was brought forward to early November and will run until Monday 9 June – is the longest recorded in South Australia.  It comes as Surf Life Saving SA rolls out trauma kits and shark sighting boards in regional communities as part of a state government shark mitigation package. Volunteer surf lifesavers provided critical assistance at Port Noarlunga after an attack on Thursday, including a Jet Rescue Boat and drone response.   Shark surveillance aircraft – operated by Platinum Aircraft Charter with crew trained by the SES – will continue to monitor beaches on weekends from North Haven to Rapid Bay, and on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula between Waitpinga Beach, east of Victor Harbor, and the Murray Mouth. The two-week extension of fixed wing shark patrols – which were due to end next weekend, on Sunday 25 May – will support community safety, with fine conditions forecast leading up the long weekend.  It is the second extension this season amid sustained aquatic activity and shark sightings in populated areas, including at southern beaches. More than 450 flights have been conducted and around 1,200 hours flown since November. The additional aerial patrols follow risk assessments done in consultation with SAPOL, PIRSA and the SES. The fixed wing aircraft is fitted with a siren to warn beachgoers when a shark is sighted and is marked with the words ‘SHARK PATROL’ in large lettering. The aircraft siren has been activated more than 90 times this season, indicating that there were either people in the water or on the beach in the vicinity of the sighting. The state government says it will continue to work with Surf Life Saving SA on implementing mitigation measures following a post-season review.  SES Chief of Staff Robert Charlton says over the past two seasons shark patrols have been extended in hours flown, so it stands to reason that there will be more sightings. “On occasions this can include multiple sightings involving the same shark, which may be spotted at different times by the aircraft as it undertakes its patrols. There has been speculation that the algal bloom blighting south coast beaches for the last two months has been driving more sharks closer to shore. 

The history behind the history - Strathalbyn’s National Trust of SA MuseumWords David O'Brien - Thanks to Coast Lines magazine The Strathalbyn NTSA Museum building started its life as a police station and courthouse, with the police station built in 1858 and the courtroom, cells and stable built during the following nine years.Its story started in 1939, when Strathalbyn celebrated its 100-year anniversary. As part of running this event, newly appointed Town Clerk Harold Stowe contacted many descendants of pioneering families of the district to involve them in celebrations. These discussions resulted in the council starting a collection of items relating to the history of Strathalbyn and its Districts, which was put on display. After the centenary celebrations, some of these items were displayed at the new council chambers on Commercial Road, and over the years Harold Stowe gradually added to this collection. Some of the larger items wouldn’t fit at the council chambers, so they were stored in a shed at his home. As Harold neared retirement he became increasingly concerned about the future of the council’s collection. After much discussion and lobbying of descendants of pioneering families, a public meeting was called in 1967, which resulted in the formation of the National Trust of SA Strathalbyn Branch. It then took about seven years for the Old Police Station and Courthouse buildings to become available, and to set them up as a museum, which was eventually opened to the public in 1974. The NTSA Strathalbyn Branch, and later the museum, was set up due to the efforts of Harold Stowe and the Gemmell, McLean and Rankine families, with the help of many others. The council collection was wide and varied and these items formed the basis of today’s collection, thanks to Harold’s passion for preserving Strathalbyn’s heritage. Over the years the collection has continually grown, and the displays changed and rearranged to improve the visitor experience, including the introduction of audio-visual displays. It includes household items showing how the people of early Strathalbyn lived, as well as many photographs, artworks, and musical instruments. Historic artefacts include items associated with the local court and police station, the railway story of the town and the history of medicine in Strathalbyn. Visitors can see objects on display brought back from both World Wars, as well as stories about the people of Strathalbyn during these conflicts. There is a strong representation of old farming implements with stories of the Strathalbyn pioneers’ early agricultural successes and challenges. Notable among these implements are a fully restored Horseworks, a Furphy water cart, a huge hand-hewn wooden thresher, and a Ridley Reaper/Stripper. Strathalbyn’s early local industries are also on display, with stories and artefacts including a restored Blackstone Engine from the town’s Ice Works; a Treblig bicycle, made in Strathalbyn at what became Gilbert Motors; and a blacksmith’s shop, including a collection of blacksmith’s tools and a working forge. There is a fine collection of horse buggies and carts, together with associated horse tack, which date back to the early days of transportation in the district.The museum is a not-for-profit organisation and has always been run completely by volunteers, who raise the funds every year to maintain the building and the collection. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1.30pm to 4pm, and can cater for tour groups by arrangement.Volunteers are always welcome, with the museum particularly in need of handyman/handywomen to help with maintenance of the buildings and collection. Every week volunteers spend Thursday mornings preserving Strathalbyn’s heritage and preparing the museum for display. Both male and female volunteers are also needed to staff the doors and open the museum to the public. Drop in on a Thursday morning to meet the volunteers and talk about the possibilities. Strathalbyn Police Station c1860

Deep Creek National Park hosted a celebration of a significant anniversary for a long-running National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) volunteer initiative.The Campground Host Program’s 40th anniversary was celebrated on Wednesday 14 May  with an event for volunteers in the park.Campground hosts are volunteers that stay in national park campgrounds and support park rangers and campers during peak times, such as long weekends and school holidays.Since 1985, more than 450 campground hosts have welcomed people to parks in 18 different parts of the state, including Deep Creek, Coffin Bay, Little Dip and even more remote locations like Innamincka Regional Reserve.A host’s duties can include:• Welcoming visitors and providing information about campsite facilities and attractions.• Sharing information about local flora, fauna and natural and cultural attractions.• Regularly checking facilities and liaising with park rangers to ensure the campgrounds are tidy.The South Australian campground hosts program was based on a volunteering scheme that began in 1980 at California’s Joshua Tree National Park.Similar programs soon sprung up interstate, including in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Queensland.NPWS Community and Nature Partnerships Manager Helen Donovan says avid campers have probably come across a campground host in one of the state’s beautiful national parks.“Volunteer campground hosts generously give their time to make sure that your stay in a park is a safe and enjoyable one,” Dr Donovan says.“I want to thank everyone who has volunteered their time as part of this great program, and strongly encourage anybody interested in becoming a campground host to put their hand up and get involved.”Campbell Black has been a campground host for more than 35 years and says there is not much of South Australia that he and his wife have not seen.“Being a campground host is wonderful – you meet people from all walks of life and are in a position to help them appreciate our beautiful national parks,” he says.“There are some places, like Katarapko in Murray River National Park and Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park on the Yorke Peninsula, that are dear to my heart, but we are so lucky to have so many beautiful parks in South Australia.”Anyone interested in becoming a campground host can visit the website.

Drivers are reminded to stay alert and drive safely today, Sunday, May 18, as mobile speed detection units operate across the Fleurieu Peninsula and throughout South Australia.With weekend traffic increasing across both country and city roads, police have positioned mobile speed cameras in key areas to monitor compliance and help prevent speeding-related incidents. These efforts form part of a statewide road safety campaign aimed at protecting all road users.Whether you're heading into the city, exploring the region, or just out for a weekend drive, remember to keep an eye on your speed and follow the road rules.A full list of mobile speed camera locations for today has been released. Let’s all do our part to keep South Australian roads safe.BALMORAL RD, DERNANCOURTBATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSBAY RD, VICTOR HARBORBEACH RD, GOOLWA BEACHBEOVICH RD, INGLE FARMBLACKS RD, GILLES PLAINSBRIDGE RD, POORAKAFOSTERS RD, HILLCRESTFRANKLIN PDE, ENCOUNTER BAYGRAND JUNCTION RD, HOPE VALLEYLOWER NORTH EAST RD, DERNANCOURTLOWER PORTRUSH RD, MARDENMEADOWS RD, ECHUNGANORTH EAST RD, ST AGNESNORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTRESEARCH RD, POORAKARESERVOIR RD, MODBURYSMART RD, MODBURYSOUTH TCE, POORAKASOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSTRATHALBYN RD, MACCLESFIELDVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT COMPASSVICTOR HARBOR RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYWANDANA AVE, GILLES PLAINSWRIGHT RD, INGLE FARM

🐰 Pets of the Week: Meet Flash & Boomer – Bonded Bunnies Looking for Love!This week, RSPCA South Australia is celebrating two incredibly sweet bunnies, Flash and Boomer, as our Pets of the Week! For a limited time, you can adopt this bonded pair together for just $49.💕 About Flash & BoomerThese cozy couch potatoes are happiest lounging around in comfort and enjoying a peaceful, snuggly life.They must be adopted together—they’re best friends and thrive in each other's company.While they may be a bit shy at first, once settled in, their charming personalities shine.The way to their hearts? A few tasty treats (in moderation!) and a calm environment.Flash and Boomer are looking for a loving, spacious home where they can relax and feel secure.Flash the BunnyBoomer the Bunny🏡 Their Ideal Home✅ Soft, quiet environment ✅ Plenty of space to stretch out and explore ✅ A patient adopter willing to give them time to settle ✅ Slow introductions to any existing petsThinking about bringing home some bunny love? Chat with our team to learn more about bunny care and how to make their transition smooth.📍 Visit RSPCA South Australia's O’Halloran Hill animal care campus or head to www.rspcasa.org.au to meet Boomer (AID 167484) and Flash (AID 191919).

The Aldinga Bay Residents Association will host a public meeting to discuss the future of the region’s wetlands on Monday 19 May.It will be held at the Sellicks Beach Community Hall at 7.30pm.Senior wetland ecologist Ben Taylor will speak about taking steps towards hydrological restoration of the Washpool.Much of the Washpool is part of the Aldinga Conservation Park, administered by the Department of Environment and Water.The 340-hectare park was pro­claimed in Jan­u­ary 2022, consolidating sev­er­al culturally and environmentally sig­nif­i­cant parcels of con­ser­va­tion land.More information about the Aldinga Conservation Park can be found on the DEW website. Aldinga Bay Residents Association has been active for almost 50 years. Find out more about its work on the website. 

Normanville and Victor Harbor are both in the running to be named the people’s choice for top tourism town in South Australia.They are two of three finalists, along with Robe, in in the Hello SA Top Tourism Town Awards 2025 - People’s Choice category.In the industry-judged awards earlier this year Victor Harbor was awarded South Australia's Top Tourism Town for the third consecutive year. Normanville took out Top Small Tourism Town and Robe was named Top Tiny Tourism Town, making them all eligible for the People’s Choice vote.Those who vote automatically go in the draw to win a $600 holiday at one of 12 council-owned caravan parks across SA, thanks to the Local Government Association of South Australia. Voting is open until Friday 26 May and can be done online. The winner will be named in early June.

The state government has passed legislation to unlock the potential to develop tens of thousands of new homes across the state, including 7,000 in Victor Harbor and Goolwa. It says Variations to Environment and Food Production Areas (EFPA) to align with the recently released Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP) will help South Australia meet both current and future housing demand while maintaining the integrity of South Australia’s most productive agricultural areas. The variations will allow for the potential to accommodate approximately 61,500 new dwellings in greenfield land supply in various areas north and south of Adelaide as well as in Murray Bridge. The changes are an amendment to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. When this legislation was drafted and the EFPAs created, the government’s priority was for 85 per cent of growth to occur through infill development, which is inconsistent with its current objectives.It says the revision of the EFPA will still ensure that the key agricultural lands surrounding Greater Adelaide are protected, with the variations representing a loss of less than one per cent of agricultural lands in Greater Adelaide.Since the 2022 election the state government has approved and implemented 41 code amendments and rezoned almost 530 hectares of land. Under the new legislation, it says land removed from the EFPA will be subject to a Limited Land Division Overlay, preventing unplanned fragmentation and ensuring rezoning occurs in a staged, infrastructure-ready manner. The State Planning Commission will continue to review EFPA boundaries every five years, ensuring ongoing protection for areas of rural, environmental, and food production significance while supporting sustainable urban growth. Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion says this reform ensures the land and the infrastructure will be in place to deliver the homes South Australians will need for generations to come. “More homes mean more jobs, stronger communities and a more inclusive economy.”CEO of Master Builders SA Will Frogley says massively increasing land supply is the best way to ensure housing affordability.   “Today is a significant boost in confidence for home buyers and the more than 80,000 South Australians directly employed in the building industry.” Liam Golding is Chief Executive of the Urban Development Institute of Australia SA. He says since the Environment and Food Production Areas were legislated land release has been constrained and housing affordability has plummeted. “The UDIA has been consistent in its opposition to the EFPAs since they were first announced – we always said the artificial constraint on land supply would hurt purchasers and we were right. Today is a great day for home buyers.” The change in legislation is opposed by Primary Producers SA, Chair Simon Maddocks saying it represents a threat to food security, economic growth, local jobs, prized tourism areas and the state’s global reputation as a premium producer of food and wine.“If food production were valued in the same way as protecting live music venues, the erosion of EFPA protections would be unthinkable.“Instead, it appears to be yet another signal that farming’s role in our state’s identity is being systematically diminished.“Our concerns are not just with this expansion of paving over scarce arable land. It is also about the growing competition for water resources – essential for both agriculture and the environment – amid increasing pressures from population growth.”

Just before 10am today, Thursday 15 May, emergency services were called to Nangkita Road, Nangkita (near Willowburn Drive), after reports a cattle truck had rolled. Patrols arrived to find the truck down an embankment and in a creek.The driver, a 29-year-old man from Craigmore, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and he will undergo mandatory blood tests. Due to the location of the truck, the number of cattle injured in currently unknown.A heavy vehicle tow truck is at the scene and qualified personnel are attendance to assist with euthanasia of the animals.Nangkita Road is expected to remain closed until 7pm this evening and road users are asked to avoid the area.The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.

 Finniss MP David Basham has called on the state government to start using the new helipad at the South Coast District Hospital as quickly as possible. “I am pleased to see the new helipad and hospital car park are nearly complete. However, I am concerned that the helipad won’t be operational until the new Emergency Department is at the lockup stage.” “Earlier this month, the MedSTAR helicopter landed on the hockey oval while the sprinklers were going. Not an ideal situation.” The previous Liberal Government, in 2021, committed to upgrading MedSTAR helicopters to a larger aircraft fleet as well as committing to upgrading regional helipad, including the Victor Harbor Helipad. Mr Basham says the current state government lost focus on prioritising patient needs on the Fleurieu when they took over. “Instead of getting things finished quickly, the Government wasted $56,463 of taxpayers’ money by hot paving an area for dust mitigation, only for it to be ripped up less than nine months later.” Mr Basham says thanks must go to the Victor Harbor Hockey Club, the Encounter Bay Hockey Club, Encounter Bay Football Club, Encounter Bay Cricket Club and Investigator College for making their ovals available for landings during the build. He says credit must also go to Rotary Victor Harbor. “They built the original helipad for $6,500 in 1986 using money raised by the Victor Harbor Art Show.” Mr Basham says the Government needs to act to open the new helipad as a matter of urgency. “Rescue helicopters and MedSTAR play a vital role for serious emergencies. The Finniss community and emergency responders deserve better than a wet and muddy football oval in a crisis situation.”  The almost completed helipad at South Coast District Hospital.

Police are at the scene of a shark attack at Port Noarlunga.About 9.45am today (Thursday 15 May), emergency services were called to the Port Noarlunga jetty after reports that a man swimming in the water had been bitten by a shark.He was helped from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics before he was taken to hospital in a serious condition.Swimmers have been evacuated from the water.Please avoid the area.

Alexandrina Council and City of Victor Harbor have joined the annual local government budget consultation train.Alexandrina has renamed its annual business plan and budget to the Annual Community Plan and now wants community feedback on the proposed draft plan for 2025/26 and its revised Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2025–35.It proposes an average rate increase of 3.05 per cent, which includes CPI of 2.2 per cent. Victor Harbor’s plan has a 5 per cent rate increase, which the council says is required to safeguard its financial sustainability.This comprises 2.5 per cent for CPI, a 1.5 per cent sustainability index and 1 per cent for the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct project.Despite this the council has forecast a budget deficit of $4.2 million.Alexandrina council will host four public meetings to present the plans, in Goolwa, Port Elliot, Strathalbyn and Mount Compass.The first will be held on Wednesday 21 May at the Goolwa Council Chambers from 10am to 11am. Then it’s on to Port Elliot on Monday 26 May at the RSL from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.Strath Neighbourhood Centre will host the third meeting on Wednesday 28 May, also from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.The final session will be at the Mount Compass War Memorial Hall on Wednesday 4 June from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.Full copies of the Alexandrina plans are now available to view at the council offices in Goolwa and Strathalbyn or online. The deadline for feedback is Friday 6 June.City of Victor Harbor will hold a public meeting in the Council Chambers at the Civic Centre at 5.30pm on Thursday 29 May.Its annual business plan can be collected in hard copy at the council office or viewed online. Consultation closes Monday 2 June.

Authorities are warning against complacency with dry conditions across the state posing a fire risk – despite the Fire Danger Season officially ending in all South Australian districts at midnight tonight. Aircraft will continue to be available to support firefighters in extinguishing any fires until last light on Sunday, following an extension of CFS aviation resources. The Fire Danger Season was extended by two weeks in the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District this year – to 14 May – due to soil dryness, high forest and scrub fuel loads, as well as forecasts of no meaningful rainfall over the coming months. It is the first time since 2019 the Mount Lofty Fire Ban District has been extended. The Bureau of Meteorology has recorded the period from October 2024 - April 2025 as one of the hottest and driest on record with maximum temperatures the highest seen for much of the state and rainfall in the bottom 10 per cent for most districts. Yorke Peninsula, Mount Lofty Ranges and the Mid North had historic rainfall lows. With the season ending at midnight, South Australians planning to conduct any burn offs – especially in proximity to any scrub or timbered vegetation – are urged to maintain safe practices. These include preparing a clean field break of at least four metres around the area, ensuring a sufficient water supply and that a responsible person is on scene.The CFS lists the main cause of uncontrolled fires from vegetation burning as a lack of planning and preparation, or inappropriate burning techniques for the environment in which the burn is being conducted. Aviation resources played a crucial role in supporting CFS volunteers on the ground to suppress fires and help protect communities.  Due to significant dryness and several prolonged fires, the state’s aerial firefighting fleet has completed around 3,000 drops this Fire Danger Season – nearly double the number of drops compared to last season.Minister for Emergency Services Emily Bourke says the end of Fire Danger Season does not mean communities can start to become complacent.  “Conditions are some of the driest we’ve seen and risk remains across the state, with lack of rainfall continuing to have a severe impact.  “Our aerial fleet will be on standby over the coming days to support volunteers, who tirelessly serve their communities year-round. CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin has paid tribute to CFS volunteers, who have worked hard to ensure the losses and impacts of major fires have been significantly minimised. “Every volunteer should be proud of the work they have put in to protect the community. “As an all-hazard agency our volunteers will continue to respond to incidents across the state, despite the end of the Fire Danger Season. “Complacency is a major risk for our agency at this time of year, particularly with dry conditions and minimal rainfall forecast for the near future, so it’s imperative the South Australian community are adequately prepared and vigilant should they decide to conduct any burn offs, especially in proximity to any scrub or timbered vegetation.”

New laws to make South Australian roads safer come into effect from Monday 19 May, requiring motorists to slow down to 25km/h when passing roadside service and recovery vehicles.The new laws, which passed State Parliament last year, will expand the existing 25 km/h speed limit for emergency services vehicles to also cover RAA and other roadside service and recovery vehicles when their amber lights are flashing.RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says it is reassuring to see these important changes coming into effect in a new era of improved safety for roadside workers and the community.“Our patrols and tow truck drivers are often helping members just metres from fast-moving traffic — and they deserve to carry out that work in a safe environment.“You can’t choose where you breakdown – often it’s on a busy main road or near a precarious intersection – and our patrols and tow truck drivers are often helping vulnerable road users.“Whether that’s the elderly, a parent with children or any other person stranded at the roadside – it’s not safe for anyone to have cars flying past too fast.“By slowing down for yellow, it will ensure we’re all helping to protect the people they are helping.“If it were your family stuck on the side of the road, I’m sure you’d want others to slow down to help keep them safe.“Between 2019 and February 2025, RAA Road Service recorded 23 reportable safety incidents involving vehicles failing to slow down near breakdowns.“Alarmingly, that includes eight incidents where patrol vehicles were struck, and five where traffic cones were hit or dragged down the road.RAA will continue to work with the state government to help educate and raise awareness in the community regarding these new road safety changes.“We’ll be working to ensure our members, and the wider public understand the new laws and why they matter,” Mr Mountain says.The reduced speed limit will also apply when passing bollards or cones that have been set up around a vehicle by a breakdown services worker.An education campaign will urge drivers to slow down when passing a breakdown scene so that roadside workers, stricken motorists and passengers can get safely back on the road.Breakdown services workers are particularly vulnerable on high-speed arterial roads, with poor visibility, weather and ground conditions also posing a risk.The safety campaign uses radio, social media and roadside advertisements, targeting metropolitan and regional drivers. All licence holders are encouraged to brush up on the road rules before the new law comes into effect to help improve safety on South Australian roads.The 25km/h speed limit will not apply to drivers if the stationary breakdown services vehicle is on the opposite side of the road they are travelling.