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Conservation park expansions
Conservation park expansions

08 September 2025, 9:10 PM

A further 30 hectares will be added to three prominent South Australian parks to provide more land for recreation, conservation and park infrastructure. Aldinga Conservation Park, Cape Willoughby Conservation Park and Cleland National Park will all have additional parcels of land added to them. Aldinga Conservation Park is home to diverse range of rare plants and is recognised as a significant for the conservation and protection of the area’s animals and plants. The addition means all of Aldinga Washpool and the culturally significant Blue Lagoon will be protected under legislation. The park will be co-named Wangkuntila-Aldinga Conservation Park to reflect its spiritual and cultural significance to the Kaurna people. The new co-name means ‘place of ring-tailed possum’. Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, on the eastern tip of Kangaroo Island, is a popular tourism attraction and is about to undergo significant works. Site development, including a new visitor centre/cafe and lookout over Devil’s Kitchen, aims to attract more visitors to the park and protect important coastal clifftop land. The addition to Cleland National Park, which is home to the internationally renowned Cleland Wildlife Park, includes significant infrastructure for the park’s operations and a portion of the popular Steub Trail. Environment Minister Susan Close says the state government is delivering on its commitment to enhance biodiversity by strengthening the national parks network. “We have listened to, and worked together with Traditional Owners to better protect Wangkuntila-Aldinga Conservation Park to ensure this sacred place is safeguarded for future generations. “Additions to these national and conservation parks will help better manage and protect land that is home to valuable biodiversity, and culturally significant and sensitive sites. Seven out of 10 South Australians visit our parks each year, saving $140 million in healthcare through improved physical and mental health.”The additions align with the state and federal governments’ 30 by 30 commitment, which aims to protect 30 per cent of Australia’s landmass and marine areas by 2030 in an effort to halt further biodiversity loss.

Senate Hearing on algal blooms in Victor Harbor
Senate Hearing on algal blooms in Victor Harbor

07 September 2025, 8:40 PM

A Senate Inquiry into South Australia’s Algal Bloom issue begins this week, with hearings held across the state before wrapping up in Canberra later this month.The Fleurieu Hearing will be on Friday 12 September at the Victor Harbor Bowling Club. A Senate hearing is part of Australia’s Federal parliamentary process where Senators gather evidence from communities, industry and experts. It’s a chance for locals to share their experiences, raise concerns, and help shape future government policy and decisions.At Victor Harbor, the Senate Committee will hear directly from: Local industry (Cape Calamari, Southern Fishermen’s Association, Southern Rocklobster Ltd) Tourism operators (Spirit of the Coorong, Big Duck Boat Tours, Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance) Councils (Coorong, Alexandrina, Kangaroo Island, City of Victor Harbor) Research and environment bodies (Goyder Institute, Hills & Fleurieu Landscape Board) Community groups and individuals (Australian Red Cross, local surfer representatives, Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority) Academic experts (University of Adelaide, UniSA, Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia)This hearing is open to the public and locals are welcome to attend and be in the audience.Other public hearings will be held at Seacliff on 9 September, Port Lincoln on 10 September, Ardrossan on 11 September, with the final meeting in Canberra on 24 September.There will also be a joint parliamentary inquiry into the algal bloom crisis after the Liberal Opposition, the Greens and some independents joined together in the Upper House.The inquiry will look at the state government’s response and the impact of the bloom on the environment, economy and communities.Finniss MP and Shadow Environment Minister David Basham raised questions in state parliament last week about the state government’s failure to properly investigate the devastating algal bloom continuing to impact Fleurieu waters.He says reports of a recent fish kill at Waitpinga have heightened local concern, yet the government has still not undertaken the underwater surveys that he formally requested in July. “The latest government algal bloom report states that the bloom now extends from Deep Creek to Rosetta Head (The Bluff), and also south of Goolwa beaches and is likely to have contributed to the Waitpinga Fish deaths.” Meanwhile a ‘Hands Across the Sands‘ event at Seacliff Beach on Saturday saw hundreds of people call for more action on the algal bloom from federal and state governments.

Comet gazers and giant wombats: A journey through time at Yankalilla Museum
Comet gazers and giant wombats: A journey through time at Yankalilla Museum

07 September 2025, 2:30 AM

Words: David O’BrienThanks to Coast Lines magazineHistory has a way of creating more history—and that’s exactly how the Yankalilla District Historical Museum came to life back in 1987.Chairman Rob Ryan recalls the spark that started it all. “It began after the Centenary grain re-enactment in Normanville,” he says. “People grew grain by hand, using horses, and I rounded up some old machinery. After that, we decided to start an agricultural museum.”As often happens, one idea led to another, and the vision expanded. “It developed into a more general sort of museum over the years,” Rob explains.A major boost came when the District Council of Yankalilla granted the group a full hectare of land—a blank canvas that would become the foundation for the museum’s broad and ever-growing collection. Today, it attracts around 1,000 visitors annually, including school and bus groups. “We do guided tours on demand,” Rob says, “especially for schools. It’s something we really enjoy.”Rob’s own involvement was a case of being in the right place at the right time. “I knew a lot of the other people involved—local farmers and graziers. I just joined in.”From the outset, the museum has worked closely with the Yankalilla and District Historical Society, whose research has been invaluable in shaping accurate and thoughtful displays. Their collaboration continues to help guide the museum’s development.And what a collection it is. That original hectare of land has allowed the team to preserve and showcase an impressive array of historical treasures. Among the highlights is the relocated Saint Thomas’ Church, as well as displays on early industries such as agriculture, forestry, grain growing, dairy and wattle bark harvesting.The museum also features detailed family histories of early settlers and nods to notable residents—including renowned astronomer Bill Bradfield. “He lived locally and discovered 18 comets—more than any other person in the world,” Rob says. “We’ve got a video about him, produced by a Canadian company, on display.”The museum continues to evolve. A new shed now houses the shearing and dairy exhibits, and there are plans for further expansion. “We’re anticipating another shed in the next year or so,” Rob says. “We’re also working on an Aboriginal display, although sourcing information has been a bit challenging. Plus, we’ve added more geology content.”Perhaps the most eye-catching addition is the museum’s Megafauna exhibit. A fossil discovered in the 1880s at Normanville led to installation of a life-size model of a Diprotodon—a three-metre-long, two-metre-high relative of the wombat—outside the adjacent Visitor Information Centre. The centre, built by council 20 years ago on the same block, opens the museum daily and helps to promote it. “People stop for a selfie with the Diprotodon all the time—it’s definitely getting attention,” Rob says.Inside the museum, a striking mural by a local artist shows what the region might have looked like 50,000 years ago. “It’s most impressive,” Rob adds. “And it’s helping to attract a broader audience.”Despite nearly four decades of involvement, Rob says the museum remains a labour of love. “It’s very, very rewarding. We get a lot of wonderful comments from visitors—how much they’ve enjoyed it, what a great experience it was.”The museum is maintained entirely by volunteers, who take pride in their community asset. The committee meets every two months, with regular working bees to tidy and clean, and a weekly roster to keep things in top shape.The Yankalilla District Historical Museum is more than just a collection of old tools and tales—it’s a living, growing celebration of the region’s past, from ancient megafauna to farming pioneers to stargazers of the modern age.Yankalilla District Historical Museum📍 Open daily | 📞 1300 965 842 or 8558 0240📧 [email protected]

Grants to fund national parks projects
Grants to fund national parks projects

06 September 2025, 10:26 PM

Environmental volunteers can share in up to $700,000 in funding to support vital conservation programs in the state’s national parks and reserves.Grants of up to $15,000 are available for nature-based initiatives as part of the Friends of Parks and Nature Grants Program, with funding applications now open.The grants help South Australia’s 154 Friends of Parks and Nature groups to invest in a range of activities and projects that can include restoration of biodiversity and threatabatement works, threatened species recovery, habitat monitoring, and Aboriginal or European heritage conservation.There were 72 projects funded in the 2024-25 round of funding, including works to:Protect critically endangered flora in Mount Billy Conservation Park, Hindmarsh Valley National Park and Stipiturus Conservation Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula.Restore important heritage sites in the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, Innamincka Reserves, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Torrens Island and Troubridge Island Conservation Park.Provide first-aid training, emergency response equipment, safety and sun protection for various land based and marine conservation activities around the state.Restore bushfire affected areas of Scott Creek Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills.Support citizen science in monitoring projects to collect data on the health of native fauna and the presence of feral animals in various regions.Department for Environment and Water Park Operations and Community Partnerships Director Stuart Paul says the state’s Friends of Parks and Nature volunteers play an important role in protecting our national parks.“These dedicated volunteers spend countless hours weeding, planting and improving our national parks and reserves so all South Australians can enjoy the benefits of nature,” he says.“Their hard work, passion and commitment is inspiring, and these grants help ensure volunteers can continue to make a positive contribution to conservation and biodiversity in our parks.”Grant projects must be completed within 18 months and member groups are invited to start their project planning and apply within the six-week application period.Grant applications close 16 October at the SA Department for Environment and Water website.

Ageing and regional Australians left behind
Ageing and regional Australians left behind

05 September 2025, 3:02 AM

Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie has welcomed the release of 20,000 Aged Care Home Care Packages but says it’s nowhere near enough.The federal government announced the additional packages this week following pressure by the Crossbench and Opposition.Ms Sharkie says it’s a start, but a fraction of what’s required to help the thousands of older Australians waiting for help at home.Government figures show that on June 30, there were 108,000 people waiting on packages at their approved level.That’s in addition to the more than120,000 people who are still waiting to be assessed, according to Ms Sharkie.“The release of these 20,000 places is the bare minimum of what’s needed to support our ageing Australians.“We now have almost 230,000 people waiting for the help they need. They’re either waiting to be assessed or waiting on the package at their approved level. It’s just not good enough.“We should be looking after older Australians. They should not be waiting months for assessment. They should not be waiting years for their packages. Once assessment is complete, approved level packages should be delivered within 30 days. Right now, we have people waiting more than a year.“The unacceptable wait times have a devastating impact on older Australians, their families and the State and Territory hospital systems. People are dying on these wait lists. People are deteriorating on these wait lists. It’s beyond sad and it’s preventable.”Ms Sharkie has also accused the federal government of treating rural and regional residents like second-class citizens when it comes to their health.She is calling for urgent action on the unreasonable inequality in spending on healthcare.Latest figures from the National Rural Health Alliance show the gap in health spending between metropolitan and rural and regional residents is growing at an unacceptable rate.The Alliance reports a total expenditure gap in 2023-24 of $8.35 billion. That equates to $1090.47 per person per year, compared with a spending gap of $848.02 in 2020-21.That means rural and regional residents are comparatively more than $200 worse off than they were three years ago in relation to health spending.Ms Sharkie says the Alliance report highlights the need for a different approach to healthcare including combining a locally trained on-ground workforce with fly-in, fly-out services supported by virtual models of service delivery. Outcomes may also be improved by leadership and service coordination at a regional level. The funding deficit is most prominent in areas including hospital care, primary health care, pharmaceuticals, aged care and NDIS services.

Clean-up patrols to hit beaches
Clean-up patrols to hit beaches

04 September 2025, 8:34 PM

The federal and state governments are accelerating co-ordinated beach clean up patrols across South Australia’s beaches, supporting coastal councils to keep beaches clean amid the algal bloom.The Algal Bloom Response Coordination Unit is leading the clean up patrols, drawing on expertise from Department for Environment and Water field officers, rangers and emergency services personnel, and working with multiple organisations to support coastal councils cleaning up dead fish and other marine life along South Australia’s beaches.The clean up patrols will include:Disaster Relief Australia, a national veteran-led not for profit organisation, who will deploy 30 personnel to assist metropolitan Adelaide councils with beach monitoring and clean-up activities.IPA Rangers from the Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation, who will conduct daily patrols, record their findings, and coordinate clean-ups on prioritised beaches on Yorke Peninsula.The Goolwa Pipi Company will redeploy harvesting employees, currently laid off due to the closure of their pipi operation, to coastal patrols and clean-up from the River Murray Mouth to Encounter Bay.Surf Life Saving South Australia will also partner with the beach clean-up effort, providing access to their facilities for staging purposes. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt says the work will enable ongoing monitoring work, while also keeping the beaches clean and safe for community use.“We understand the impact this event is having on communities, and are working closely with the SA Government on response and recovery efforts.”State Environment Minister Susan Close says the algal bloom has caused significant impacts along the coastline, and this clean-up patrol is about ensuring swift action to minimise harm to beaches and marine life.“This is a whole-of-community effort — from Aboriginal rangers on Yorke Peninsula, to Surf Life Saving volunteers, to local councils and businesses — all bringing their expertise to protect the places South Australians cherish.”

Nursing staff ratios to lift for patient safety
Nursing staff ratios to lift for patient safety

03 September 2025, 9:04 PM

The state government has introduced legislation to mandate staffing ratios for nurses and midwives across South Australian public hospitals. Following consultation with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the new ratios have been modelled on those in Victoria and prioritise both patient care and safety, and staff wellbeing. They aim to ensure the nurse-and-midwife-to-patient ratio meets the requirements of differing patient care areas across nursing and midwifery shifts. Adelaide’s four largest metropolitan hospitals (the Royal Adelaide, Flinders, Lyell McEwin and Women’s and Children’s) will be required to have one nurse for every four patients, along with a nurse in charge, in general medical and surgical wards during morning and afternoon shifts. For night shifts, it will be one nurse for every eight patients with a nurse in charge.Other hospitals across metropolitan Adelaide, including Modbury, Noarlunga and the Queen Elizabeth, will be required to have the same ratios for morning and night shifts, and one nurse for every five patients with a nurse in charge for afternoon shifts.Regional sites, such as the Southern Fleurieu Health service, will require one nurse for every five patients with a nurse in charge for morning shifts and one nurse for every six patients with a nurse in charge for afternoon shifts. A night shift will require one nurse for every ten patients with a nurse in charge.In a coronary care unit, the ratio will become one nurse for every two patients and one for every three overnight, regardless which hospital they are in.An antenatal ward will require one midwife for every four patients and one for every six patients overnight, across all public hospitals.Health Minister Chris Picton says the state government has recruited more than 1460 additional nurses since being elected which will help with the new staffing ratios.The bill is expected to pass through the Parliament and be enacted as legislation before the end of this year, with a start early in 2026. The legislation will cover specified patient care areas in the public health system. It will not apply to private hospitals or private aged care providers. Planning for implementing the ratios has already begun, with a two-year rollout period to allow local health networks to reconfigure staffing and recruit where required. 

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