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Winter’s first bite arrives early
Winter’s first bite arrives early

23 May 2025, 9:14 PM

Extreme weather including damaging wind gusts in excess of 100km/h, showers and thunderstorms and potentially record waves and sea levels are forecast for southern South Australia this weekend. After enduring the driest start to the year on record across much of SA’s agricultural areas, southern parts of SA including Adelaide and the Fleurieu, will be bracing for strong 90-120km/h winds over the weekend. The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) reminds people to use caution around coastlines as the storm surge is expected to see ocean swells rise to between six and nine metres, with the possibility of eclipsing the previous record high for the month of May of 8.5m, less than week out from the highest tide of the year on Wednesday. As a result of SA’s extended dry period, distressed trees suffering from a lack of moisture will be much more susceptible to strong winds, increasing the likelihood of trees being uprooted and dropping branches. The SES is encouraging people to take proactive action to minimise the impacts of tree damage to their homes and property. This includes trimming any overhanging tree branches around your property and ensuring gutters, downpipes and drains are clear of leaf litter and other debris. The SES also advises to secure loose items around the home such as outdoor furniture and children’s play equipment ahead of the forecast damaging winds. Tinder-dry conditions across much of SA have also prompted the Country Fire Service (CFS) to urge people to remain vigilant if planning burn-off activities or campfires, especially near scrub or timbered vegetation. SES State Duty Officer Craig Brassington says the rapid onset of destructive or damaging winds is often the main reason for damage to property and is responsible for bringing down power lines, causing power disruptions.“The SES will always be on call to support communities in need however, I encourage people to take proactive action now to prepare their properties for the winter months.“We encourage people to visit the SES website to undertake some simple, proactive steps which can contribute to minimising potential storm damage to homes and properties.’’  CFS State Duty Commander Ann Buesnel says dry conditions across the state, combined with strong winds forecast for this weekend, significantly heighten the risk of fires spreading out of control. “We are urging the community to remain vigilant. If you are planning activities like burn offs or campfires, especially near scrub or timbered vegetation, please assess conditions carefully and take appropriate safety precautions. “Our volunteers will be ready to support South Australians with whatever this weekend brings, and we thank them for their continued dedication.’’  To prepare for severe weather and storms the SES advises:Trim trees and branches that could fall on your home or propertyCleaning your gutters and downpipes of leaves and debrisFix any damage to your roofPark vehicles away from trees and under coverChecking and clearing drains on your propertySecure loose items in your yard including outdoor furniture and play equipmentChecking adequacy of insurance coverageBe prepared for power outages.  For emergency storm assistance people should call 132 500, for life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000). To learn more about how to prepare for storms visit the SES website.  

Best Of Wine Tourism Awards applications open
Best Of Wine Tourism Awards applications open

23 May 2025, 2:58 AM

Entries are now open for 2026 Great Wine Capitals’ Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, providing an opportunity for South Australia’s incredible wine tourism operators and wine producers to put themselves forward to be recognised on the global stage. The Best of Wine Tourism (BOWT) Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism throughout the greatest wine regions in the world. The opportunity is made possible through South Australia’s membership of the Great Wine Capital Global Network alongside other Great Wine Capitals around the world including Bordeaux and Napa Valley. All 12 members run parallel awards, with local category winners going on to compete in the Global BOWT Awards, which are judged by an international jury and will be announced in Bordeaux, France in November. Last year McLaren Vale winery Dandelion Vineyards took home the global BOWT Award for Architecture and Landscape at the international awards held in Verona, Italy. Categories for the 2026 Awards are:AccommodationArchitecture and landscapeArt and cultureCulinary experiencesInnovative wine tourism experiencesWine tourism servicesSustainable wine tourism practicesWith a continuing emphasis on sustainability, each of the shortlisted award entries for the first six award categories will be considered for the sustainable wine tourism practices award. Entries close on 30 June. For more information and to enter the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards go to the website.  Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says South Australia is known for its premium wine and wine experiences.“Our state is one of the 12 Great Wine Capitals of the World and is the only one in Australia. “The Best of Wine Tourism Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism throughout the greatest wine regions in the world and are a wonderful opportunity for our local wine tourism businesses to showcase their products and promote our state as a must-visit destination, not just for a top drop, but for unforgettable experiences. “I encourage all South Australian wine tourism operators to apply.”  

Reprieve for Alexandrina heritage buildings sale
Reprieve for Alexandrina heritage buildings sale

21 May 2025, 8:42 PM

Alexandrina Council has resolved not to consider the sale or future use of Customs House in Goolwa, for the time being.At its monthly meeting held on Monday 16 May, the council also resolved to delay any service change or activation proposal at the heritage-listed building until it has put in place a robust collaborative methodology, known as a Service Review Framework, to review services. This Service Review Framework will be considered at its July meeting.The delay also applies to any proposal for the South Coast Regional Arts Centre in the Old Police Station and the Goolwa Visitor Information Centre in the Old Post Office.Once the Framework is adopted, the council says it will work with key community stakeholders to review the Goolwa Wharf Precinct holistically.Council administration is developing the Framework, which seeks to ensure a considered, consistent and collaborative approach to reviewing council services and determining any future direction or changes in service delivery.Chief Executive Officer Andrew MacDonald says the Goolwa Wharf Precinct is a historically significant area and the council – with assistance from federal and state governments – has invested millions into its restoration and preservation.“It’s important we get this right, so Council has decided to take a deep breath, pause and make sure we take a strategic look at the opportunities for all parts of the Precinct,” he says.“Council has resolved not to consider any option for the building until a refreshed review of future opportunities has been undertaken.“Council recognises the community’s passion for Customs House and the Precinct.“The Precinct’s future success will depend on strong collaboration with key stakeholders and the broader community.“Adopting a Service Review Framework approach will ensure we have adequate time to move progressively, yet thoroughly, through a review process, ultimately determining how to bring each of the elements and opportunities of the Precinct together.”Key community stakeholders named as potential collaborators include Cittaslow, The Friends of Little Scotland and all parties who submitted an Expression of Interest in the last two years to lease Customs House.The holistic council review of the Wharf Precinct is expected to be completed by December 2025.Over the past few years, with grant funding support, Alexandrina Council has invested $18 million into restoring, preserving and upgrading the Precinct.Earlier this year the council consulted the community on a proposal to sell Customs House for a potential hotel development, receiving 582 responses.It subsequently hosted a workshop on 28 April to discuss community feedback, inviting key stakeholders from the community with interests in the Precinct.

Tough Talks for teens with Encounter Youth
Tough Talks for teens with Encounter Youth

21 May 2025, 2:32 AM

After nine years on Hindley Street’s front line, former police officer Louis Burden has swapped handcuffs for harm-prevention. The ex-SAPOL constable has seen, “too many ‘one-punch’ nights end in an ICU,” and now wants to stop the trouble before it starts. He has joined youth-support charity Encounter Youth and is bringing his street-level insight to Tough Talks, a no-cost seminar for interested community, parents and caregivers at Encounter Bay Football Club on Monday 26 May, at 7pm. “Instead of working with the end situation, I wanted to do more to prevent young people getting to that stage.” As the Education and Parent Coordinator for Encounter Youth, Louis now delivers education programs to secondary students and their parents. “I would call parents to tell them their son or daughter was in hospital or at the Police Station due to a drug or alcohol issue, and while their first reaction was that of concern for their child, the next reaction was often confusion about why it happened and how they missed the signs.”   “It is important not just to empower young people but to assist those who care for them with some information and support strategies.” Encounter Youth, in conjunction with Finniss MP David Basham will present the free seminar for parents and caregivers wanting valuable insights into how to assist their teens as they navigate the challenges of drug and alcohol use. The session promises three take-home rules:           1.        Start the chat early — normalise conversations about drugs and alcohol long before the first party invite.           2.        Be curious, not furious — ask questions, listen and learn what pressures teens really face.           3.        Model what you want to see ‘young people can’t be what they can’t see’— by showing that fun doesn’t need a bottle or a pill. Mr Basham says he is pleased to support the Encounter Youth team, who know the Finniss region extremely well through their Schoolies Festival involvement over the last twenty-five years. “Encounter Youth aim to alert, inform and empower young people to celebrate safely and meaningfully while adopting a harm-minimising approach.”Book a free ticket to the Tough Talks seminar via TryBooking. Parents can warm up with Encounter Youth’s Uncharted Parenting podcast. 

More dams not the answer in dry times
More dams not the answer in dry times

20 May 2025, 8:46 PM

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.

Suggest a name for upgraded Onkaparinga park
Suggest a name for upgraded Onkaparinga park

20 May 2025, 2:40 AM

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.

Walk for water on the south coast
Walk for water on the south coast

19 May 2025, 9:01 PM

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.

Aerial shark patrols extended again
Aerial shark patrols extended again

18 May 2025, 9:06 PM

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
The history behind the history

18 May 2025, 3:00 AM

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

National parks volunteers celebrate 40 years
National parks volunteers celebrate 40 years

17 May 2025, 10:05 PM

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.

South coast farmland unlocked for housing
South coast farmland unlocked for housing

15 May 2025, 8:31 PM

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.”

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