The Fleurieu App

News


Fleurieu businesses urged to complete tourism barometer survey
Fleurieu businesses urged to complete tourism barometer survey

20 August 2025, 3:01 AM

The Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism Board (FPT) is calling on all local businesses to take part in the FPT Business Barometer Survey, designed to capture an accurate snapshot of how the region’s businesses are tracking in 2025.Your feedback will play a vital role in understanding the impacts of the recent algal bloom on the Fleurieu’s tourism industry. The results will guide future support and advocacy efforts, ensuring that local businesses have a strong voice in shaping recovery strategies.FPT Board Chair, Matthew Hurley, said the survey was particularly important this year, as many coastal operators have been affected by the algal bloom, with ripple effects being felt across the region.“We need as many businesses as possible—from cafés and wineries to accommodation providers, tour operators, and retailers—to share their experiences. This will help us and our partners at the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) to respond with the right support, targeted campaigns, and resources for recovery,” he says.Algal Bloom Response UpdateFPT is working closely with SATC to coordinate a regional response to the algal bloom, which has impacted parts of the Fleurieu coastline. Weekly meetings are being held to share insights, stay informed, and plan collaborative next steps.Key actions underway include:Phased marketing response – initial focus on public safety messaging, followed by campaigns encouraging South Australians to visit Fleurieu coastal regions.Consumer research – to guide industry recovery strategies.Tourism operator tools and resources – available via the central hub: algalbloom.sa.gov.au.FPT emphasises that while accurate public health messaging remains a priority, the Fleurieu continues to boast a wide range of attractions—from wine and food trails to festivals, arts, and nature experiences—that remain open and ready to welcome visitors.Take PartLocal business owners are strongly encouraged to complete the FPT Business Barometer Survey and register for industry updates.👉 Take the survey hereFor more information and resources, visit:Tourism Industry One-Pager (SATC)Industry Information – fleurieupeninsula.comTraveller Information – fleurieupeninsula.com

Help for businesses to cut power bills
Help for businesses to cut power bills

19 August 2025, 3:04 AM

Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island businesses will be able to apply for grants of up $75,000 to reduce their energy costs, under Round 3 of the state government’s $154 million Business Growth Fund. Applications for the $20 million Powering Business Grant opened yesterday, Monday 18 August, for eligible businesses and not-for-profits with an Australia-wide grouped payroll of less than $18 million, supporting them to invest in upgrades that lower their energy costs. Grants of between $2,500 and $75,000 are available with the state government matching business contributions dollar for dollar to support projects under two streams: Stream 1 – Solar and battery projects: support for the purchase and installation of batteries and solar systems with accompanying battery storage.Stream 2 – Energy efficiency projects: funding for equipment or infrastructure upgrades, such as refrigeration, insulation or lighting improvements that reduce energy use and cost.Businesses that received a grant under Round 2 of the Business Growth Fund are eligible to apply again for new projects or activities or to expand on previously approved projects.  One business already benefiting is Kytons Bakery, south of Adelaide, which received a $36,834 grant in Round 2 to install solar panels and battery storage.The upgrade is expected to save the family-run bakery up to $29,000 a year on electricity costs. Grants will be open until Friday 31 October or until funding is fully allocated. For more information, including guidelines and to apply, visit the Business SA website.      

More businesses eligible for algal bloom support
More businesses eligible for algal bloom support

18 August 2025, 9:02 PM

More businesses will be eligible for algal bloom industry support, with the state government extending and expanding availability of business grants on offer. The business support package has been made available through the $28 million algal bloom support package jointly funded by the federal and state governments. The state government has been closely monitoring the rollout of business grants and working closely with industry representatives on the rollout of $10,000 Small Business Support Grants, and Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grants of up to $100,000. As a result of this industry consultation, the government will make the following changes to grant criteria: For the Small Business Support Grant:Extend the closing date from 12 September 2025 to 30 November 2025 and extend the requirement to demonstrate a decline in business turnover in any consecutive three-month period from 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025.Include in the eligibility criteria, commercial fishery or aquaculture license holders that have had their license fee waived by PIRSA.For the Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grant:Extend the closing date from 12 September 2025 to 30 November 2025 and extend the requirement to demonstrate a decline in catch/harvest and decline in business turnover to any consecutive three-month period from 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025.If a commercial fishery or aquaculture license holder can demonstrate a minimum business turnover of $75,000 in financial year 2023-24 or 2024-25 and has had its license fee waived by PIRSA, it is entitled to the immediate one-off Tier 1 $25,000 payment.If a commercial fishery or aquaculture license holder is approved for an initial $25,000 payment under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grant, then it is also entitled to a waiver of its licence fees.Reduce the requirement to demonstrate a minimum business turnover of $100,000 to $75,000.For Tier 1, reduce the requirement to demonstrate a 50 percent or more decline in catch/harvest in a consecutive three-month period to 30 percent.For Tier 2, reduce the requirement to demonstrate a decline in business turnover of 50 percent or more to 30 percent or more.For Tier 2, amend thresholds for additional amounts up to $75,000 as follows:$25,000 if business turnover in 2023-24 was above $200,000 (currently $300,000).$50,000 if business turnover in 2023-24 was above $400,000 (currently $500,000).$75,000 if business turnover in 2023-24 was above $600,000 (currently $700,000).The government will continue to review the grant program and make further adjustments where necessary. In addition to support grants, the state government has also waived fishing licensing fees for the September quarter, this follows the fees being waived for the June quarter. Fishing licensing fees will continue to be reviewed on a quarter-by-quarter basis, with fee relief extended if necessary. An additional $160,000 will be invested in the Stay A Float program, which focuses on enhancing boating safety and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of individuals within the seafood industry. Premier Peter Malinauskas says the government has committed to ensuring applications for support are processed within fifteen business days. “We’ve said all along we would work closely with industry to ensure funds get to those who most need it, and these expanded eligibility criteria will assist to make sure that happens as the bloom continues to evolve.” Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says the changes have been made quickly based on the feedback from peak industry associations, roundtables and community forums, to expand the eligibility criteria.  “The algal bloom is having a significant impact on many in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and these grants have been designed to provide immediate relief.” The state government held one of a series of community forums on the algal bloom at the Victor Harbor Convention Centre on 12 August.Premier Peter Malinauskas, cabinet ministers and scientific and public health experts updated the community on the latest developments and took questions.The Business Victor Harbor Board held a private meeting with the Premier ahead of the forum. They say it was a valuable opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics impacting local business — from economic growth, infrastructure, and tourism, to workforce needs and the ongoing effects of the harmful algal bloom on our coastal economy. “We appreciate the Premier taking the time to meet with us, hear our perspectives, and share his vision for supporting regional South Australia.” 

Federal grant to deliver Langhorne Creek discovery trail
Federal grant to deliver Langhorne Creek discovery trail

17 August 2025, 9:04 PM

Alexandrina Council and Langhorne Creek industry groups have announced they have secured $7 million from the federal government to make the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail in this premier wine region a reality.The $7.06 million grant is part of the $400 million ‘regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP)’ to support transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia.The rPPP grant will fully fund the construction of the 2.8km trail, which is the culmination of many years of planning and advocacy by the Langhorne Creek community, driven by a partnership including Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Association, Langhorne Creek Hub, the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, and Alexandrina Council.The Council-endorsed concept design for the multi-purpose trail stretches from the intersection of Kent Town Road and Langhorne Creek Road near Bremerton Wines. It winds through the township including Memorial Park and Frank Potts Reserve, and finishes at Bleasdale Winery.“The Langhorne Creek community has had a vision for many years to create a ‘hero tourism attraction’ in the region, and Council came on board five years ago to join with them to develop the concept for the Discovery Trail and to advocate and apply for funding,” Mayor Keith Parkes says.“This project has been a fantastic collaboration with our combined Council-community governance group and support from our local RDA making the difference in progressing this successful funding bid.“It’s the sort of collaboration with community and funding partners that Council wants to continue with future proposals such as the Strathalbyn Lot 10 Recreation Precinct and the Port Elliot soccer grounds.“The 2.8km Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail linking cellar doors is going to be a beautiful, interesting, safe, and accessible way for visitors and locals to explore this pocket-sized historic wine region by foot or by bike. It will enhance the visitor experience and encourage tourism in an environmentally-sensitive way.“Langhorne Creek produces up to 45,000 tonnes of grapes each year, but only about 15% of these grapes reach the market with a Langhorne Creek label.“Having a hero attraction such as this walking and cycling trail will boost Langhorne Creek ‘s profile, attracting new visitors, and increasing regional spending.“In turn, we believe this will have a flow-on effect of creating opportunities for businesses to attract investment, including investment in tourism accommodation.”Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Executive Officer Lian Jaensch says the community is thrilled with the level of rPPP investment and believes the discovery trail will drive further growth in the Langhorne Creek region."This sort of funding represents a game changer for any community, and we are very lucky to be the recipients."Langhorne Creek has so much to offer and this tourism trail will help strengthen the connection between our winemaking community and the traditional Ngarrindjeri nation.“Both Alexandrina Council and the Langhorne Creek community will continue to work closely with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation to incorporate their story in this new tourism trail."Alexandrina Council has been an essential partner throughout the project development and grant application process and the resulting success is a great example of what can be achieved when regional communities work closely alongside local governments."With both the wine industry and wider agriculture industry facing economic and climate challenges, this tourism trail will be a massive morale boost for the whole community."Alexandrina Council will project manage the delivery of the infrastructure components of the discovery trail which currently includes proposals for:• Construction of a bituminised 2.85km, 1.8m wide shared use pathway.• Installation of new bridge culvert.• Installation of pedestrian refuges.• Wayfinding signage.• Landscaping, plantings and irrigation.• Street furniture.• Safety bollards.• Intersection upgrades.Langhorne Creek industry groups in the partnership will deliver the tourism marketing and promotion component of the Discovery Trail project.

New access trial for Pennington Bay
New access trial for Pennington Bay

16 August 2025, 10:23 PM

Kangaroo Island Council has recently installed a board and chain walkway to improve and clearly define safe public access to Pennington Bay’s main beach.Independent advice from the Department for Environment and Water and the Coastal Protection Board indicated that the original staircase location was no longer suitable due to erosion and cliff instability. In a high-energy coastal environment, stairs present ongoing safety, maintenance, and cost risks for both the council and the community.Mayor Michael Pengilly says the approach reflects a commitment to both public safety and environmental care. “Pennington Bay is a very high energy beach with unique access issues, this new approach to the beach should stand the rigours and be very practical to many people.”Chief Executive Officer Daryl Buckingham says the trial will guide future decisions on long-term access. “This option was chosen to withstand coastal conditions, reduce the risk of damage, and protect the area from further erosion. “We’ll be closely monitoring performance and safety outcomes, listening to community feedback, and working with our environmental partners to ensure the best outcome for both people and place.”The new access trial was approved following discussions with the Coastal Protection Board and Crown Lands. This approach is said to provide low-impact beach access at a location assessed as more stable, while reducing the likelihood of future costly and disruptive repairs.The project will be completed with further erosion control measures and revegetation works to protect this sensitive location.The council has acknowledged the strong community interest in Pennington Bay access and thanked the community for its patience and ongoing feedback as it balances safe access with environmental protection and responsible financial management.

Meet Souffle & Marshmallow: RSPCA SA’s Bonded Bunny Besties
Meet Souffle & Marshmallow: RSPCA SA’s Bonded Bunny Besties

16 August 2025, 3:00 AM

Double the Fluff, Double the Love: Souffle & Marshmallow Are Ready to Hop into Your HeartThis week, RSPCA South Australia is featuring an adorable bonded pair of bunnies—Souffle and Marshmallow—as their Pets of the Week. These charming three-year-old rabbits are not just best friends; they’re family, and they’re searching for a forever home where they can stay together.Silver-coated Souffle is the more curious of the two, always eager to explore tunnels, hop through boxes, and sniff out fresh leafy greens. His perfect day includes lounging in a safe, indoor space where he can feel secure and stimulated. His mellow and affectionate nature makes him the ideal cuddle companion—just add snacks!By his side is Marshmallow, a smoke-coloured fluffball bursting with energy. He’s the zoomie king, often darting around in joyful spurts of playfulness. Although independent by nature, his love for Souffle is unwavering—they’re rarely apart, and their bond is truly heartwarming.To help these best friends find their perfect match, RSPCA South Australia is offering a discounted adoption fee of just $45 for the pair until Friday, 22 August. Both bunnies are desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped, so they’re ready to settle into a loving home.If you’ve got a cozy corner, some fun enrichment toys, and lots of love to give, Souffle and Marshmallow could be the perfect addition to your family. Remember: bunnies are family forever—not just for Easter.👉 Learn more and apply to adopt Souffle and Marshmallow here:Souffle – RSPCA South AustraliaMarshmallow – RSPCA South Australia

Breaking taboos: period products for CFS volunteers
Breaking taboos: period products for CFS volunteers

15 August 2025, 10:49 PM

From the fireground to regional headquarters, South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) members will have access to free period products thanks to a statewide initiative that started this month.As part of an ongoing commitment to support diversity, inclusion and equity within CFS membership, over 1,000 period product packs will be available in fire trucks and command vehicles across the Fleurieu and statewide. Dispensers will also be located at all major CFS facilities, including Regional and State Headquarters and training centres.The CFS is committed to growing its female membership and this initiative supports the comfort, well-being, health needs and dignity of volunteers and staff while they serve their communities.Menstrual health is a basic need, not a luxury, and this program ensures no CFS member is left without essential items in high-pressure environments.CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM says the initiative is about ensuring members can undertake their important work without unnecessary barriers.“Just as we prioritise the safety and well-being of the public during incidents, we must also safeguard the health and dignity of our own people,” he says. “Providing these products also demonstrates that we value diversity and are removing unnecessary barriers so volunteers and staff can focus on what matters.”Hayley Slater, of Salisbury CFS, says having period products on hand will make a real difference for volunteers if they have been on a truck or in an incident management team for hours or at a staging area far from home.“It’s one less thing to worry about and shows that CFS understands the practical needs of its members on the ground.”CFS is partnering with South Australian social enterprise TABOO to deliver biodegradable pads and tampons in plastic-free packaging, supporting firefighters who may not have access to rubbish bins on the fireground.The products will also be accessible to the public during emergencies upon request.“We are proud to work with CFS to ensure volunteers and staff have access to the products they need,” says CEO and Co-founder of TABOO Eloise Hall.The statewide rollout is now underway, with products currently being placed in vehicles on the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island and at key sites over the coming months.

Preschool funding boost
Preschool funding boost

14 August 2025, 8:32 PM

A multi-million dollar boost program for preschool services has been launched to support children across the state to benefit from targeted developmental support in the critical years before school.Partner services will receive an annual allocation of boost funding, to do more to address developmental vulnerability, including accessing services through a menu of more than 100 high-quality, evidence-informed supports and programs. This includes allied health supports such as occupational therapy and speech pathology services, as well as other programs like upskilling educators and offering parenting supports.Funding allocations for each service are based on local socio-economic index data, directing more support to the children and communities that will benefit the most.This was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, led by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.The launch of Preschool Boost comes after the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) released its national report last month, which showed almost one in four South Australian children are starting school with some form of developmental vulnerability. All the supports available on the program align to the five AEDC developmental domains, to support the development of key skills such as language, social skills, physical health and motor skills.The Office for Early Childhood Development’s Local Teams will support preschool partner services to assess their local AEDC data, helping them choose the programs or supports most likely to improve outcomes for local children and their families. Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer says the government’s rollout of preschool for three-year-olds marks an exciting chapter in early childhood for this state and the largest reform to education in decades.“The Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care set a very clear pathway for us to improve educational outcomes for young people.“We’re building a stronger early childhood system in South Australia and it’s important we have a system that acts early, adapts to data, and responds to the needs of children and families. “The boost fund supports services to enhance outcomes for all children, strengthen community partnerships, and address key gaps in development, so more children can start school ready to learn on the very first day.”

Bringing the state’s reservoirs to life
Bringing the state’s reservoirs to life

14 August 2025, 2:43 AM

Not-for-profit organisations across South Australia are invited to apply for funding to bring their ideas for the state’s open-access reservoir reserves to life. SA Water’s Reservoirs Partnership Program provides funding of up to $10,000 to back community-led projects that inspire environmental conservation, active lifestyle and community learning. The 2025-26 program offers not-for-profits an opportunity to connect their communities with South Australia’s environment and water resources, while encouraging outdoor accessibility, recreation and education. Recipients supported in the 2024-25 round of grants include:Nature Conservation Society of South Australia – Bushland condition monitoring as part of the long-term Mount Lofty Ranges Woodland Bird Monitoring Program which undertakes ecological surveys across 165 sites including 14 SA Water reservoir reserves.Nature Play SA – 4 diversity and inclusion nature-based-experiences at Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve for children and young people in care and individuals with disabilities and diverse backgrounds, featuring cultural insights led by Kaurna leaders.TAFE SA – development of environmental resilience through the Outdoor Learning program which gives nature-based learning experiences at South Para and Warren reservoir reserves.Trail Running SA – twilight series trail running events held at Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve.Walking SA – ‘Walk on Water’ public walking event to be held at Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve on 28 September 2025.Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion says the state’s reservoirs are truly unique spaces that bring together communities, enable healthier lifestyles and protect our natural environment.  “These grants will give local groups the chance to champion innovative ideas and help more people get outdoors and connect with nature. “Enhanced access and programs at our reservoirs show our ongoing commitment to keeping all South Australians active, but also, with unprecedented challenges affecting recreational fishing, we’re taking strong steps to support SA’s rec fishing community.”The state government says it will continue to explore more opportunities to encourage more recreation within reservoirs, while maintaining water security as the primary utility of these sites. Applications are open until Sunday 21 September, with grants of up to $10,000 available per project. To apply or to check the eligibility criteria, visit the SA Water website.  

Popular wetlands reopen after upgrade
Popular wetlands reopen after upgrade

12 August 2025, 8:32 PM

A $7.6 million project to improve the quality and availability of shorebird wetland habitat at Tolderol Game Reserve is now complete, with the site reopening to visitors last weekend, 9 and 10 August.Part of the Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Wetland Ramsar site, the reserve is one of South Australia’s premier bird-watching wetlands due largely to the rich foraging habitat it provides for Coorong waterbirds, including migratory shorebirds.Jointly funded by the federal and state governments as part of the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program, the major wetland restoration project began in January 2025 and has increased the site’s managed wetland by approximately 50 hectares - a 60 percent increase.The wetlands, located on the northern banks of Lake Alexandrina, now boast 150 hectares of foraging habitat for migratory and non-migratory shorebirds for the majority of the shorebird season, which typically runs from September to March.Previous water management facilities at the site restricted how water was distributed throughout the reserve, reducing habitat availability.The installation of new pump infrastructure and supporting earthworks have improved water management to enable water to be delivered more evenly and efficiently across the reserve.The project was delivered by the SA Department of Environment and Water (DEW) in collaboration with Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, National Parks and Wildlife Service SA, and the local volunteer-run Tolderol Wetlands Working Group, which has a long history of site management and stewardship of Tolderol.State Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close says Tolderol Game Reserve is one of South Australia’s premier wetlands for bird-watching, attracting a diverse array of visitors each year, from birders to sightseers, bushwalkers, campers and boaters. “By increasing the foraging habitat, this project is providing birds with critical food resources, including invertebrates such as snails, crustaceans, worms and insect larvae, which the birds rely on to fuel-up before making the journey back to the Northern Hemisphere to breed.“These upgrades are essential in enhancing the overall ecological health of the reserve and ensuring that the site retains its unique cultural and social value.”Tom Overall is Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin Program Leader in the DEW.“The completion of the works were another crucial step to supporting shorebird species in the Coorong region,” he says. “Tolderol is an important refuge for a wide variety of migratory and non-migratory shorebirds species.“Restoring wetland habitat at Tolderol is not only important in enhancing the ecological health of the reserve and resilience in the wider Coorong region, but it can also play a role in reversing the decline of shorebird habitat globally.”

21-40 of 5441
The Fleurieu App
The Fleurieu App
Fleurieu at your fingertips

Get it on the Apple StoreGet it on the Google Play Store