Construction of a Coastal Sea Defence Wall between Fell Street and Charles Street in Encounter Bay is almost complete, with only minor works remaining, according to the City of Victor Harbor.Work on the project started in late April 2025, with the council engaging CATCON to undertake the construction.It says the new Coastal Sea Defence Wall is made of two elements - a rock revetment and a concrete wave wall. The rock revetment extends for the entire length of the project, while the concrete wave wall extends from Ridgeway Street to Charles Street - with height varying between 0mm and 650mm.The purpose of the wall is to provide immediate protection for community assets such as nearby roads and land. It will also offer long-term resilience for low-lying urban areas against storm surges, sea level rise and flooding.The remaining minor works are expected to be completed in early 2026, as weather and material supply allows. This includes:line marking for the shared user path and installation of a retaining wall and fencing between the shared user path and Ridgeway Street roundabout.Planting between Fell and Ridgeway Street will be done later in the year, when the weather is cooler.City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins is excited to see the area re-opened for public access ahead just in time for the busy holiday season.“Franklin Parade is now fully re-opened to two-way traffic and the Encounter Bikeway is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists once again. The area is looking fantastic,” she says.“Thank you to local businesses, residents and the broader community for their patience while the bulk of this important project was undertaken.“I’d like to congratulate both Council staff and CATCON for their efforts on this project. It’s not easy to work directly along our dynamic coastline, navigating the ever-changing weather and tides plus our shorebirds and wildlife.“The new wall will help to mitigate increasing risks to both our natural environment and vital infrastructure as a result of the changing climate.”This project was primarily funded by the City of Victor Harbor, supported by grant funding from the federal government’s Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, the National Disaster Ready Fund and Coast Protection Board.

Strath Neighbourhood Centre will host a free school holiday escape room adventure on Thursday 8 January.The immersive escape room experience has been designed by young people, for young people! – aged 12 to 25.They will tackle six mental health-themed rooms over the course of an hour, working in groups of three or four people to crack the code and escape.Each room will be packed with puzzles to challenge the mind and stir the senses. The event will run from 11am to 3pm, with family and friends of young people aged 12–25 years welcome to join in. It is supported by headspace Victor Harbor, headspace Mount Barker, Alexandrina Council, and the Strath Neighbourhood Centre Inc. Book your time slot online. 

 Waterport Road in Port Elliot will again be affected by traffic delays, with SA Water set to begin road repair works from 12 January. The  upcoming two-week program of works follows installation of a new water main to Port Elliot last autumn. While the infrastructure upgrade was completed last year, water ingress during winter rainfall affected the road foundations, leading to a breakdown of the surface and increasingly rough driving conditions. Finniss MP David Basham says the repairs are an important step in restoring safety on a key local road. “Waterport Road is a vital link for Port Elliot residents and visitors, and the deterioration of the surface over winter has been a real concern for road users,” he says. “The reduced 60 kilometre per hour speed limit has been necessary for several months to manage safety risks, but these works will address the underlying issues and significantly improve conditions.” Mr Basham says the damage was caused by water penetrating the road base during winter following the earlier water main installation. “This repair work is about fixing what happened beneath the surface. Once water gets into the foundations of a road, it can cause serious and ongoing damage if not properly addressed.” During the works, one lane of Waterport Road will be closed, with traffic managed under stop/go conditions. “I ask motorists to please be patient and allow extra time while these essential repairs are completed,” Mr Basham says. “I know traffic delays are frustrating, but this work will deliver a safer and more durable road for the long term.” The works are expected to take approximately two weeks, weather permitting.

A driver has lost his car and his licence after being caught drink driving at Moana last night.About 8.50pm on Sunday 4 January, police received reports of a white BMW sedan driving recklessly before getting bogged off of Indigo Road.Police attended and breath tested the driver who allegedly produced a blood alcohol reading of 0.109. There was a teenage passenger in the car at the time.A 30-year-old man from Moana was reported for drink driving and issued with a six-month instant loss of licence. His car was impounded and he will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

The Fleurieu Art Foundation has announced details of the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize 2026.The non-acquisitive South Australian art prize is open to Australian visual artists aged 18 years or over who create two or three dimensional artworks.Judges will award two prizes; the Fleurieu Art Prize of $20,000 and an Emerging Artists prize of $5,000. A people’s choice award of $2,500 will be made at the end of the exhibition to the artwork voted as most popular by people who attend.Artists are invited respond to the theme A Sense of Place by submitting previously un-shown artworks, across multiple platforms and disciplines, produced after 1 January 2025.The exhibition will be held from 5 June to 5 July, with finalists exhibited at the Fleurieu Arthouse in McLaren Vale and the winners announced on opening night. Online entries will open on Monday 16 March and close at midnight on Sunday 12 April.Potter and sculptor Ashlee Hopkins won the 2024 Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize with her piece Forest Ochre in Open Form.Full details of the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize 2026 can be found on the website.

SafeWork SA is warning people thinking about riding quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles over the summer holidays about the dangers following a spike in deaths over the past two years.Since 2011, 234 Australians have died in incidents involving quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles, with men accounting for more than 80 per cent of fatalities, figures from Safe Work Australia show.In South Australia, there have been a total of seven deaths in 2024 and 2025, the first in the state since 2021. The majority of the deaths in the past two years were farmers.Quad bikes are four-wheel vehicles with a saddle-style seat. Side-by-side vehicles are four-wheeled vehicles that often have seatbelts, side-by-side seating and a rollover protection cage. All are often called all-terrain vehicles.Quad bikes are one of the leading causes of injury and death on Australian farms with deaths occurring equally during work and recreational activities.Most incidents occur when quad bikes roll over, throwing riders from the quad bike or trapping them underneath where they can be crushed or suffocate.Between 2011 and 2024, 77 per cent of quad bike related deaths in Australia involved adults over 50 years of age and 12 per cent involved children under the age of 16. To minimise risks, quad bike riders are being urged to:•   Always wear a helmet.•   Use a quad bike with rollover protection.•   Never let children ride adult quad bikes, even as a passenger.•   Don’t carry passengers on quad bikes that are meant for one person.•   Avoid riding on rough terrain or steep slopes, excessive speed or sudden manoeuvres. •   Don’t override safety features. The Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard was introduced in 2019 to reduce the risk of injury or fatality caused by quad bikes.It requires new and imported second hand quad bikes to have minimum stability levels, include rollover protection, and display clear safety warnings at the point of sale.To prepare safely before every ride you should: •   Tell someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return.•   Wear protective clothing and gear. This includes a helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves or hand protection.•   Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.•   Always carry a mobile phone or radio device so you can get help in case of an emergency. 

An intruder was arrested by police inside a Christies Beach home after breaking in last night.About 7.30pm on Saturday 3 January, police were called to a home on Saltash Avenue, Christies Beach after a man was seen remotely on CCTV kicking the front door in and gaining entry.Southern District Police quickly responded and confronted the man, who was still inside the property. The man allegedly punched an officer in the face causing minor injuries before he was able to be restrained.A 21-year-old man from Christie Downs was arrested and charged with serious criminal trespass, assaulting a prescribed emergency services worker and resist police.He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday.Crime scene investigators attended and examined the property.The homeowner was not at home at the time of the break-in.3042

South Australians are being urged to be bushfire ready this summer as the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) strengthens its bushfire planning, mitigation and frontline firefighting capability. The state government has provided an additional $955,000 to boost CFS capability this summer, including for new water storage tanks and improved fire refuges. The funding is in response to its Taskforce Fireguard which assessed the fire danger outlook for the 2025-26 Fire Danger Season. Measures include:Five temporary water tanks have been placed in the high-risk areas of Mylor, Salt Creek, Tothill, Cummins, and Lucindale.Additional contracted heavy machinery such as bulldozers or graders which will be put on standby during high-risk days this summer to be readily available for dry firefighting.Progression of Bushfire Safer Places Project, which assesses the suitability of Bushfire Safer Places and Bushfire Last Resort Refuges across the state.The CFS is also poised to upgrade its bushfire mitigation and planning with the rollout of the next generation of Bushfire Management Area Plans (BMAPs). The BMAP 2.0 project will deliver modern, robust, and scientifically informed systems to guide bushfire risk reduction across South Australia. The project is jointly funded through $1.8 million from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Disaster Ready Fund and an additional $2.7 million over four years from the state government. Householders are also being urged to download the Alert SA app this Summer. The app provides real time notifications from the CFS, the Metropolitan Fire Service and the State Emergency Service about bushfires and other emergencies. Premier Peter Malinauskas says South Australians are well aware of the dangers faced by bushfires over the summer months, but cannot afford to be complacent.“While we must do all that is possible to reduce the risk of bushfires, we should always be prepared for the worst.“By downloading the Alert SA app, you can get live notifications of incidents and other information that could save your life in the event of a bushfire or other emergency.CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin says preparing for the serious risk of bushfires is a shared responsibility and he urges all South Australians to do their part to stay safe this Fire Danger Season. “These exciting initiatives are part of the CFS ongoing commitment to continual improvement and ensuring that SA is prepared for future challenges.Ensure you’ve created or reviewed your Bushfire Survival Plan, prepared your property, and subscribed to warnings via the CFS website or Alert SA app.”

Proudly provided by Coast Lines MagazineEach summer the lawns of Warland Reserve transform into one of Australia’s most spectacular outdoor galleries. Beneath the iconic white marquee, thousands of artworks capture the colour and character of the Fleurieu Peninsula and beyond. The Victor Harbor Art Show, now approaching its 47th year, remains one of the region’s proudest traditions—an event that celebrates not only artistic excellence but the enduring community spirit that makes Victor Harbor special.Run entirely by the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor, the show attracts more than 10,000 visitors annually and features more than 1,600 works from artists across Australia. Over its lifetime, the event has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in art sales and, just as importantly, helped fund countless Rotary community initiatives—from youth leadership and mental-health programs to local infrastructure and international humanitarian projects.Victor Harbor Art Show Chair Julie Irwin says the show continues to flourish because of its unique mix of professionalism, accessibility and heart.“It’s a celebration of creativity that also gives back,” she says. “Every ticket, every painting, every volunteer hour directly supports the community. That’s what makes it such a special event on our calendar.”A new judge with a passion for the coastFor 2026, Rotary Victor Harbor has announced that acclaimed Henley Beach artist Victoria Rolinski will serve as show judge. A passionate plein-air impressionist, Rolinski is known for her intuitive brushwork and luminous depictions of the South Australian coastline. Her paintings capture the fleeting moods of sea and sand—the golden light, shifting tides, and wind-etched dunes.Raised near the beach that continues to inspire her work, Victoria brings a deep respect for the landscape and the artists who interpret it. Her award-winning paintings have been exhibited widely across Australia, and she has earned recognition for her ability to translate natural beauty into vibrant, emotive canvases.As judge, she will apply that same observant eye to the Art Show’s prize selections, encouraging authenticity and creative risk-taking.“We’re thrilled to have Victoria Rolinski join us,” says Julie Irwin. “Her love of the landscape and her energy for supporting emerging artists will bring a wonderful perspective to our show.”A legacy of local talentWhile the event continues to grow nationally, many of its most treasured stories come from close to home. Among those is Mike Barr, whose rainy cityscapes have earned him international acclaim. Mike has been part of the Victor Harbor Art Show for more than 20 years, winning Best in Show in 2016 and serving as judge for 2025.His impressionistic depictions of rain-soaked streets—born from a moment of inspiration on a wet North Terrace two decades ago—are now collected worldwide. Yet Mike still considers Victor Harbor a creative anchor.“The Victor Harbor Art Show is the highlight of South Australia’s art calendar,” he says. “It’s where artists, collectors, and the public all meet in one joyful space.”With more than 100 awards since 2003, including an invitation to demonstrate at the Art Gallery of South Australia during the Clarice Beckett exhibition in 2021, Mike’s artistic journey is a testament to persistence, curiosity and community. Both he and his wife Tina have supported the show for decades, helping to build the reputation it enjoys today.Artwork image: Artist Mike BarrAnother long-time contributor is Bruce Davey, whose story reflects the Art Show’s grassroots spirit. A self-taught painter from Ardrossan, Bruce first entered the Victor Harbor Art Show in 2005, selling one of his three entries—and he hasn’t missed a year since. Over two decades, he has sold more than 60 paintings through the event, often five on opening night, and has become one of its most recognisable exhibitors.Bruce’s love of the southern coastline shines through in his detailed oil landscapes, many inspired by the Fleurieu and Yorke Peninsula shorelines. He’s not only an exhibiting artist but also an active volunteer and sponsor, proudly supporting the show’s youth awards.“This show gives emerging artists a place to grow,” he says. “It’s where people can share what they’ve learned and feel part of something bigger.”His dedication extends beyond the canvas—he constructs his own stretcher frames and finishes every piece by hand. That craftsmanship, he says, is part of what makes painting so rewarding.“I still get a real buzz out of seeing someone take one of my works home,” he adds. “It never gets old.”More than an art showBeyond the canvases, the Victor Harbor Art Show represents the best of regional collaboration: local businesses sponsor awards; volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes; and visitors travel from across the state to enjoy the festive seaside atmosphere. Warland Reserve becomes a meeting place where art lovers, families and tourists can wander between easels and enjoy live music, food and the beauty of Victor Harbor’s waterfront.The Art Show also acts as a stepping-stone for emerging artists, providing exposure to collectors and galleries. Over the years, countless careers have begun under the marquee, with many artists citing the event as their first significant sale or public recognition. The Rotary committee ensures that categories cater to a wide range of media and experience levels—from professional oils and acrylics to sculpture, mixed media, photography and youth sections.“We want this show to remain accessible,” Julie Irwin says. “It’s about creating a space where established and up-and-coming artists can share the same stage.”The Victor Harbor Art Show continues to thrive because it remains true to its roots: community, creativity and connection. Whether you’re an artist entering for the first time or a visitor returning for another summer of seaside colour, the show offers something unique—an invitation to see the world through local eyes.

Motorists are urged to take extra care on the roads today, Sunday, January 4, as mobile speed cameras continue to operate across South Australia, including popular summer travel routes.With the holiday season still in full swing and high volumes of traffic expected on both regional and metro roads, police are maintaining their focus on speed enforcement to help reduce road trauma and promote safe driving behaviour.Whether you're heading home from a weekend getaway or out enjoying the sunshine, make sure to follow speed limits and stay alert. The full list of Sunday January 4 mobile speed camera locations is provided below.ADDISON RD, PENNINGTONALDGATE-STRATHALBYN RD, ECHUNGABARKER RD, MOUNT BARKERBATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSCALLINGTON RD, STRATHALBYNCHURCH HILL RD, ECHUNGACRITTENDEN RD, FINDONDAYS RD, CROYDON PARKFLAXLEY RD, MOUNT BARKERGRAND JUNCTION RD, CLEARVIEWGRANGE RD, KIDMAN PARKHAWTHORN RD, MOUNT BARKERHOLBROOKS RD, UNDERDALELANGHORNE CREEK RD, STRATHALBYNMACCLESFIELD RD, MACCLESFIELDMAIN NORTH RD, GEPPS CROSSMAWSON RD, MEADOWSREGENCY RD, CROYDON PARKSOUTH EASTERN FWY, LITTLEHAMPTONSOUTH TCE, WINGFIELDSPRINGS RD, MOUNT BARKERTAPLEYS HILL RD, FULHAMVALETTA RD, KIDMAN PARKVENABLES ST, MACCLESFIELDWELLINGTON RD, WISTOWWEST TCE, STRATHALBYNCountry traffic camera locations up to and including Sunday, 11 January 2026ANGAS VALLEY RD, MOUNT PLEASANTBAROSSA VALLEY WAY, LYNDOCHBOOKPURNONG TCE, LOXTONCLARE RD, KAPUNDACOOMBE TCE, WAIKERIECORAL ST, LOXTONDAWKINS RD, TWO WELLSDUNSTONE RD, BARMERAEDEN VALLEY RD, ANGASTONHANSON ST, FREELINGHANSON ST, FREELINGHORROCKS HWY, ROSEWORTHYHORROCKS HWY, TEMPLERSJANE ST, WILLASTONJURY RD, GLOSSOPKAY AVE, BERRIKOKODA TCE, LOXTONLAWRIE TCE, WAIKERIEMAIN NORTH RD, EVANSTONMALLALA RD, MALLALAMALLALA RD, KORUNYEMALLALA RD, TWO WELLSMCKAY RD, GLOSSOPMORGAN RD, BARMERAMURRAY ST, TANUNDAMURRAYLANDS RD, MORGANMURTHO ST, RENMARKNOBLE RD, WAIKERIEOLD PORT WAKEFIELD RD, TWO WELLSOLD STURT HWY, GLOSSOPPARA ST, RENMARKPORT WAKEFIELD RD, TWO WELLSQUEEN ELIZABETH DR, BARMERARENMARK AVE, RENMARKRIVERVIEW DR, BERRIROSEDALE RD, ROSEDALESTURT HWY, DAVEYSTONSTURT HWY, WAIKERIESTURT HWY, RENMARK SOUTHSTURT HWY, KINGSTON ON MURRAYSTURT HWY, BARMERATHIELE HWY, KAPUNDATHIELE HWY, MORGANTHIELE HWY, FREELINGTONKIN AVE, BARMERATRAEGER RD, MALLALAWARREN RD, WILLIAMSTOWNWILLIAMSTOWN RD, COCKATOO VALLEYWORMAN ST, BERRIYETTIE RD, WILLIAMSTOWN

Two drivers had their cars impounded after alleged street racing on the Southern Expressway overnight.About 3.15am on Saturday 3 January, police detected a Subaru hatch travelling at 209 km/h on the Southern Expressway at Reynella.The car was travelling in company with another vehicle.The speeding red Subaru hatch and white Holden station wagon were not pursued but police were able to track them via traffic management cameras.A short time later, police located the cars, parked and unoccupied, on River Road, Noarlunga Downs.Officers searched the area and found the alleged drivers nearby.A 19-year-old Seaford Rise man was identified as the driver of the Subaru.  He was arrested and charged with extreme speed, street racing, breaching the conditions of his provisional licence and providing false details.He was bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on 16 March.A 19-year-old man from Barmera, who police will allege was driving the Holden wagon, was reported for street racing and breaching the conditions of his Ps.  He will be summonsed to appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court at a later date.Both vehicles were defected and impounded for 28 days.2613

Leading environmental and water lawyer Dr Emma Carmody has been appointed the new Commissioner for the River Murray in South Australia.Dr Carmody is highly regarded as an expert on the environmental challenges facing the Murray-Darling Basin and the legal frameworks governing water use within it.Her appointment will be crucial for the upcoming reviews of the Basin Plan and Commonwealth Water Act 2007 – helping to engage with key stakeholders across the basin and providing independent advice to the state government, says Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood.“Dr Carmody’s work is renowned on the national stage and she will be a powerful advocate in our ongoing efforts to restore the health of the Basin,” Minister Hood says.“Her extensive background in water law and governance, environmental expertise and location will help ensure upstream states take notice that we are serious about securing the full delivery of the Basin Plan.Dr Carmody replaces inaugural Commissioner Richard Beasley SC.“I acknowledge and thank Mr Beasley for his tireless efforts as inaugural Commissioner and what he has achieved for our state,” Minister Hood says.“A healthy, flowing Murray is critical to our environment, economy, culture and community,” she said.The Commonwealth is aiming to recover over 400 of the 450GL target by the end of 2026, following a recent expansion of the voluntary water purchase program.A former resident of Adelaide who worked as a consultant in two state government agencies, Dr Carmody is currently based in Sydney.Minister Hood says this enables her to be an effective advocate for SA in the ‘Basin battleground’ of New South Wales.Dr Carmody spent more than a decade working for the Environmental Defenders Office, is currently a fellow of the Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust and is a former member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.“Having grown up in the southern Murray-Darling Basin, lived in Adelaide during the Millennium Drought, and spent much of my career advocating for the sustainable management of our largest river system, I am particularly honoured to have been appointed to the role of Commissioner of the River Murray,” Dr Carmody says.“I look forward to working with the many people and communities who care deeply about the river’s health, particularly in the lead up to the statutory review of the Basin Plan.”

Major Crash officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash at Delamere today.About 4.30pm on Friday 2 January police and emergency services were called to Cole Road, Delamere after reports of a single motorcycle crash.Sadly, the solo rider, a 49-year-old man from Lyndoch died at the scene.Cole Road has been closed while Major Crash investigators examine the scene.The death is the 1st life lost on SA Roads this year.Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have dashcam footage of the black CFMOTO motorcycle travelling prior to the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote reference 002305.

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Delamere.Just before 4.30pm Friday 2 January, police were called to Cole Road after reports of a single motorcycle crash.Traffic restrictions will be in place.Please avoid the area if possible.

As the holiday season continues, motorists are reminded to drive safely this Saturday, January 3, with mobile speed cameras in operation across South Australia, including popular coastal and regional routes.With many locals and visitors travelling over the New Year period, police are maintaining their statewide road safety efforts to reduce speeding and prevent avoidable accidents. Mobile speed detection units will be monitoring a range of high-traffic areas throughout the day.Whether you’re heading home from holidays or enjoying a weekend drive, remember to stick to the speed limit and stay alert. The full list of speed camera locations for January 3 is available below.BAINS RD, WOODCROFTCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDDEQUETTEVILLE TCE, ADELAIDEFITZROY TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEFLAXMILL RD, MORPHETT VALEGALLOWAY RD, O'SULLIVAN BEACHGLYNBURN RD, TRANMEREGRANT RD, REYNELLAGRIFFITHS DR, MOANAHAWKERS RD, MEDINDIEHILLIER RD, MORPHETT VALEMAGILL RD, TRINITY GARDENSMAIN SOUTH RD, HUNTFIELD HEIGHTSMEYER RD, LONSDALEMURRAY RD, PORT NOARLUNGANOTTAGE TCE, MEDINDIEOSMOND TCE, NORWOODRIVER RD, PORT NOARLUNGASHEREBROOKE BVD, WOODCROFTSIR JAMES HARDY WAY, WOODCROFTSOUTHERN EXP, O'HALLORAN HILLSTEPHEN TCE, GILBERTONTHE STRAND, REYNELLAWAKEFIELD RD, ADELAIDEWAR MEMORIAL DR, NORTH ADELAIDECountry traffic camera locations up to and including Sunday, 11 January 2026ANGAS VALLEY RD, MOUNT PLEASANTBAROSSA VALLEY WAY, LYNDOCHBOOKPURNONG TCE, LOXTONCLARE RD, KAPUNDACOOMBE TCE, WAIKERIECORAL ST, LOXTONDAWKINS RD, TWO WELLSDUNSTONE RD, BARMERAEDEN VALLEY RD, ANGASTONHANSON ST, FREELINGHANSON ST, FREELINGHORROCKS HWY, ROSEWORTHYHORROCKS HWY, TEMPLERSJANE ST, WILLASTONJURY RD, GLOSSOPKAY AVE, BERRIKOKODA TCE, LOXTONLAWRIE TCE, WAIKERIEMAIN NORTH RD, EVANSTONMALLALA RD, MALLALAMALLALA RD, KORUNYEMALLALA RD, TWO WELLSMCKAY RD, GLOSSOPMORGAN RD, BARMERAMURRAY ST, TANUNDAMURRAYLANDS RD, MORGANMURTHO ST, RENMARKNOBLE RD, WAIKERIEOLD PORT WAKEFIELD RD, TWO WELLSOLD STURT HWY, GLOSSOPPARA ST, RENMARKPORT WAKEFIELD RD, TWO WELLSQUEEN ELIZABETH DR, BARMERARENMARK AVE, RENMARKRIVERVIEW DR, BERRIROSEDALE RD, ROSEDALESTURT HWY, DAVEYSTONSTURT HWY, WAIKERIESTURT HWY, RENMARK SOUTHSTURT HWY, KINGSTON ON MURRAYSTURT HWY, BARMERATHIELE HWY, KAPUNDATHIELE HWY, MORGANTHIELE HWY, FREELINGTONKIN AVE, BARMERATRAEGER RD, MALLALAWARREN RD, WILLIAMSTOWNWILLIAMSTOWN RD, COCKATOO VALLEYWORMAN ST, BERRIYETTIE RD, WILLIAMSTOWN

Work is officially underway at Onkaparinga Heights – South Australia’s newest master-planned community, offering homebuyers a rare chance to purchase in Adelaide’s southern suburbs. The land will feature up to 1,000 homes delivered by South Australian property development company YAS. Work now shifts from planning to delivery, with the site, formerly part of Hackham and Old Noarlunga, undergoing a major rezoning by the state government early in 2023, which transformed 235 hectares of Rural Land into a Master Planned Neighbourhood Zone. With the first stage of civil works now underway, the stage is set for first homes to begin construction in the second half of 2026, with residents expected to move in during 2027. Meanwhile, SA Water’s work to install 1.1 kilometres of new water main is nearing completion, with the infrastructure enabling the reliable delivery of water to the new housing development. The YAS parcel of the development site will also include a retail centre, and at least 15% of housing will be designated as affordable, helping create an inclusive and balanced community. The state government says sustainability and liveability are central to the project’s vision. The development includes a comprehensive active transport network connecting pedestrian and cycling paths within and beyond the estate. In addition, extensive tree planting initiatives will increase the existing tree canopy by over 30%, promoting native biodiversity and providing shaded streetscapes across the development. Located 32 kilometres from the CBD, Onkaparinga Heights is close to Seaford Meadows Train Station, 15 minutes from McLaren Vale and Port Noarlunga beach and close to the Onkaparinga River and national park.   

As the new year begins, women across the Fleurieu are being encouraged to prioritise their health, with BreastScreen SA offering free breast screening in McLaren Vale throughout January.The BreastScreen SA mobile screening unit will be available from 6 January to 2 February 2026, providing free breast screening for women aged 40 and over, with women aged 50 to 74 especially encouraged to book.Regular breast screening can detect breast cancer early — often before symptoms appear — when treatment is most effective.The mobile unit will be located in the car park behind McLaren Vale Hospital, with entry via Gate 3, at Aldersey Street.Appointment detailsDates: 6 January – 2 February 2026Time: Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.00pm (Excludes public holidays; hours may vary depending on availability)Location: McLaren Vale Hospital, Aldersey StreetAccess: Wheelchair accessibleSupport: Free interpreter services availableBookings are essential and can be made online at www.breastscreen.sa.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.Women are encouraged to make time for themselves this new year and take this simple but important step for their health.For more information or to view upcoming locations, visit www.breastscreen.sa.gov.au/our-locations.

The Milang Butter Factory will host free afternoon Sunday Sessions of live music throughout January, starting this weekend.It kicks off on Sunday 4 January with Geistare Bunenaite, flowed by Wooly Johns taking the stage on Sunday 11 January.Taylor Pfeiffer will entertain on Sunday 18 January and the final session will be on Sunday 25 January, featuring Ella and Sienna.Each Sunday session will run form 1pm to 4pm and light meals, coffee, cake and drinks will be available for purchase.This live music event is free to attend, but donations are appreciated to assist in hosting more live and local musicians. Call 00480 512 457 to book a spot.

It’s set to be one of the busiest weeks of the year on some regional roads, prompting an RAA reminder to plan ahead and drive safely.Traffic data analysed by RAA vehicle numbers at the Copper Coast Highway/Yorke Highway intersection – the portal to the Yorke Peninsula – were 87% higher in the week after Christmas last year compared to earlier in December.Main South Road at Myponga – a key route to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island – may also be busier this week, carrying about 44% more vehicles in the week after Christmas last year.Drivers are being urged to remember the road safety basics if heading away this week – including resting at least every two hours, sharing the driving and allowing extra time for the journey where possible. RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says the data highlighted the popularity of post-Christmas travel but also the need to plan ahead.“After Christmas, we see a sharp increase in traffic on regional roads as people head away for holidays, often travelling longer distances than they do during the rest of the year,” he says.“Unfortunately, the Christmas and New Year period also coincides with the highest number of serious crashes, and many of these are linked to the Fatal 5.“Speed, fatigue, inattention, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence and dangerous driving continue to be among the biggest causes of serious injuries and deaths on our roads.“Allow extra travel time – particularly if you are driving on unfamiliar roads, take regular breaks and share the driving where possible.“Planning ahead is one of the simplest ways drivers can reduce risk before leaving the driveway.”Even small amounts of alcohol can slow reaction times and increase the risk of a crash, and Mr Mountain also urges drivers to make a plan to get home safely without drinking and driving.“Planning ahead and arranging a sober ride could save your life and the lives of others,” he says.“Alcohol impairs your reaction times and judgement, and even a short drive can be dangerous.”RAA’s road trip advicePlan your route and rest stopsTake regular breaks, sharing the driving where possible, and avoiding night driving can help combat distraction – one of the Fatal 5 causes of road trauma.Pack smartLoad heavy items low and as far forward as possible in the boot. This reduces the risk of objects shifting suddenly if you need to brake hard or swerve.Check your fluid levelsMake sure your engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid are topped up. Running out of oil or coolant can cause your engine to overheat and lead to costly repairs, while a clear windscreen is essential for safe driving, especially on country roads.Inspect your tyresTyres should have at least 1.6mm of tread across the entire width. Worn tyres increase stopping distances, which can be particularly dangerous on high-speed regional roads or when the roads are wet or slippery.Test your lights and batteryCheck that headlights, brake lights and indicators (including on trailers or caravans) are all working properly. If your battery is older than 3–5 years or showing signs of weakness, such as slow starts or dim lights, consider replacing it before you leave. Packing jumper leads is also a smart precaution.