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QantasLink strengthens KI connections
QantasLink strengthens KI connections

18 February 2025, 1:31 AM

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.

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Call for guaranteed mobile phone service
Call for guaranteed mobile phone service

16 February 2025, 7:39 PM

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.

Summer Loving: Gardening to Beat the Heat
Summer Loving: Gardening to Beat the Heat

16 February 2025, 2:17 AM

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

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Restoring native habitat to 'ReBird The Ranges'
Restoring native habitat to 'ReBird The Ranges'

14 February 2025, 9:49 PM

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. 

MPs call for action on water shortage
MPs call for action on water shortage

14 February 2025, 2:02 AM

This week in federal Parliament, Independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie raised her concern with the dire situation in South Australia where many Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Kangaroo Island residents are running out or have exhausted their water supplies.With 2024 annual rainfalls at near or record lows in many parts of the electorate, Strathalbyn received 68 per cent of its average rainfall, Cape Willoughby 62 per cent and Gumeracha just 59 percent.Ms Sharkie says farmers are hurting and households not connected to mains water are struggling to get water delivered.  'Water carters have advised that domestic demand for water has reduced the water pressure across the system and what usually takes around half an hour to fill a tanker is now taking one and a half hours, extending delivery times.'This is a critical issue requiring an urgent fix. It is incomprehensible that in the year 2025 we have houses running out of water.''My office is in contact with the office of the South Australian Minister for Water and I'm pleased there is a mutual desire to fix this issue.'On Kangaroo Island PIRSA convened a water meeting on Tuesday11 February, attended by government agencies and local groups.Mayor Michael Pengilly reported that the Middle River Dam is at around 60 per cent capacity, which is above the average for this time of year.“There are no plans to introduce water rationing, as the desalination plant continues to ensure a reliable supply of potable water for Kangaroo Island" he says."We are seeing increasing demand for stock water as dry weather continues, and many dams are drying up. Evaporation levels are high, which is putting additional strain on farmers.”Meanwhile Finniss MP and state Shadow Minister for Water Infrastructure David Basham says many households have resorted to using a back-up water tank reserved to protect their properties against bushfires. “This is an incredibly precarious situation for those forced to use emergency water supplies, leaving their homes at greater risk in the event of a fire.“We have previously used milk tankers to support getting water to households quickly, but the only solution offered up by the Water Minister is to put your name on a list.“It’s simply not good enough, having water in your home is a basic living standard that we expect in South Australia.“In May 2022, the Government declared a Climate Emergency. What have they done in the last two years to prepare for the water shortages caused by the lack of rainfall?“The Minister is telling us to prepare for the next 20 to 30 years, but South Australians can’t wait and need practical action now.”

Soldiers Memorial Gardens trees to go
Soldiers Memorial Gardens trees to go

13 February 2025, 7:57 PM

Alexandrina Council has scheduled major tree maintenance works in the Soldiers Memorial Gardens and Lions Park in Strathalbyn next week.It follows recommendations of an arborist report conducted late last year after community concerns were raised about the health of a historic Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) near the rotunda on the southern side of the Peninsula.More than 20 trees in the Gardens and Park will be pruned of dead wood, including the historic Stone Pine, which was one of the original trees planted in the precinct in the late1800s.Three dead or dying Cotton Palms (Washingtonia robusta) at the eastern end of the Children’s Bridge will be removed.Due to their heritage value, the removal of the Cotton Palms was referred to State Heritage for advice and to PlanSA for Development Approval, which was granted.One of Cotton Palms is an original planting from the 1930s and has been assessed as having reached the end of its life span.The remaining two Cotton Palms were planted as replacements sometime between 2001 and 2004 following the collapse of an original palm during a storm. Drought conditions in the ensuing years and more recent seasonal damage caused by Little Corellas have contributed to their demise.A fourth Cotton Palm, believed to be an original planting but located away from the Children’s Bridge, is in good condition and will remain.Two small dead Eucalypts will also be removed from the banks of the Angus River as they pose a risk to park users and have been assessed as providing limited habitat value.In the cooler months, the council will plant Eucalypts and smaller species along the river’s edge on the downstream section of the park between the last weir and the St Andrew's Bridge.Alexandrina CEO Andrew MacDonald says: “Back in 1999 a Conservation and Management Study of the Strathalbyn Soldiers Memorial Gardens was conducted by the University of Adelaide and the Cotton Palms were classified as having ‘high aesthetic value’. “In line with the management plan for the Gardens, we have sought advice from State Heritage regarding their replacement, which will be close to their original location and equal distance from the path near the Children’s Bridge.“We are sourcing advanced Cotton Palms from interstate, and they will be planted this year when the seasonal rains arrive, and conditions are optimal.“Ground anchors will be used to secure the root ball thereby eliminating the need for unsightly staking and cabling.“The retaining bricks that surround the base of the palms will be removed, as they do not conform to the heritage of the Gardens.“The Soldiers Memorial Gardens are a popular and picturesque feature of Strathalbyn and the Alexandrina community is proud of its history.The works will start on Monday 17 February and are expected to take up to 10 days to complete, weather permitting.For more information about our projects, visit the Alexandrina Council website.

Fires spark battery safety warning
Fires spark battery safety warning

11 February 2025, 7:34 PM

Two recent battery fires at waste depots have prompted the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA) to issue an alert on disposal of batteries in kerbside bins.Kangaroo Island Resource Recovery Centre shed suffered extensive damage from a major fire started by a lithium battery on December 22.On the same day Strathalbyn Waste and Recycling Depot had a close call when staff identified a hidden gas bottle still filled with gas and removed it from the general rubbish. Ten minutes later a small battery fire started in the same vicinity, which was fortunately able to be extinguished completely.FRWA has reminded residents to dispose of batteries for free at their local depot and keep staff and the community safe. Damaged and used batteries can start fires; leach chemicals into the ground; and are a missed opportunity for recycling valuable resources. FRWA says battery fires in rubbish trucks and waste depots are becoming a major issue across Australia and are pleading with people to do the right thing: No batteries in kerbside bins. Don’t hide batteries (or gas bottles) in depot waste. Separate and store batteries (put tape over terminals).There are special battery recycling bins at waste depots and staff can direct people to their location.Many supermarkets and hardware stores also offer battery recycling collection pointsFor more information on safe storage of used batteries and alternative collection locations visit the website. For details of FRWA collection locations visithe website. 

Victor roads get safety upgrades
Victor roads get safety upgrades

11 February 2025, 2:08 AM

Acraman Street and Carlyle Street are at the centre of the City of Victor Harbor’s push towards safer streets.The council's 2017 Town Centre Traffic Movement and Car Parking Strategy investigations identified Acraman Street, Carlyle Street and the one-way Hill Street as streets or intersections requiring remedial measures. The design of the of the Acraman Street Corridor Management Plan is complete and implementation is about to start, with support from the state government’s Black Spot funding program.Safety remediation works are set to begin on Monday 17 February and are expected to take eight weeks. The Black Spot Program is an infrastructure investment strategy that directly targets improvements on high-risk roads or roads with proven crash history.With improving safety for all street users a key objective for this project, the council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee were consulted during the design process with the aim of improving accessibility for all users.Safety works will include a variety of pram ramps, new and improved footpaths, defined bike lanes, street lighting, road resealing and new line marking.One major safety improvement includes the change of give way direction at the intersection of Hill and Acraman Streets.City of Victor Harbor Chief Executive Officer Victoria MacKirdy says the works will contribute to a safer walking, biking and driving environment in one of Victor Harbor’s busiest locations.“As an area close to the shopping centre and town centre, a focus on pedestrian and biking safety is paramount.”Businesses and residents will be notified through a letter drop, and the community will be kept up to date on temporary road closures.

Call for gambling technology law reform
Call for gambling technology law reform

10 February 2025, 8:06 PM

Independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie introduced her Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025 in the House of Representatives yesterday, Monday 10 February.She has urged the federal government to require all online gambling apps and websites to display real-time, user-friendly information about customers' net losses and wins, at all times. This could be a banner on display at the top of the screen, similar to the mock up shown below.Ms Sharkie held a joint press conference to discuss the Bill, along with Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who seconded the Bill; CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Martin Thomas; and activist Jake Minear."With so many gambling apps and websites, and wall-to-wall gambling ads, it has never been easier to gamble away the roof over your head, without even leaving home,” Ms Sharkie says."Online gambling operators must share information about net wins and losses with their customers, but a monthly email that goes to the junk folder or data hidden at the back of an app is not as effective as a banner on screen, which would really keep this information at front of mind."With Australians losing $32 billion to gambling each year, I urge the Government to support my Bill to empower customers to make more informed decisions while wagering.Minear proposed the idea in his submission to the Inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm, chaired by the late Peta Murphy MP."People should have a right to total transparency, and never more so than with their own information. "Saying ‘gamble responsibly’ does not stack up when Australians are losing a combined $32bn per annum. "We need individuals to have the right to monitor their own financial position in real time, every time. "Online gambling has provided so many companies with huge profits due to the technology and real time data insights into their customers' habits, yet that same technology and transparency has not been shared equally to truly benefit their customers.

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