Residents and businesses in McLaren Vale have recently experienced multiple power outages, prompting SA Power Networks (SAPN) to address the issue in a community discussion. Meeting with the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association, SAPN representatives explained the causes of these disruptions and outlined their efforts to improve reliability.McLaren Vale's electricity supply comes from a 40-kilometre line connected to a substation in McLaren Flat, serving around 1,150 customers. Kym Williams, SAPN’s Reliability Manager, acknowledges that since 2022, the area's power reliability has been below their targets. However, recent fixes to faulty circuit breakers, identified as a primary cause of outages, are expected to bring immediate improvements.One cause of short-lived outages is transient faults triggered by contact from birds or tree branches. These cause the network’s circuit breakers to momentarily cut power as a safety precaution. Typically, these faults resolve quickly, but a faulty breaker had failed to reset automatically, turning minor interruptions into extended outages. SAPN has since repaired the faulty breakers and taken steps to increase clearances in high bird-activity areas like Wheaton and Tipi Lane.Looking ahead, SAPN plans to invest approximately $700,000 in 2025 to install feeder automation around McLaren Vale. This technology will allow the network to isolate faulted areas and keep power on in unaffected sections, reducing disruption and maintaining supply to key areas such as the main street.Cecilia Schutz, SAPN’s Head of Corporate Affairs, emphasises SAPN’s commitment to engaging with the community and the Australian Energy Regulator to secure funding for these reliability improvements across South Australia.For residents, signing up for SAPN’s free SMS alerts can provide real-time notifications of outages, helping to stay informed and prepared during service interruptions.

The District Council of Yankalilla has announced that the Rapid Bay jetty car park will be temporarily closed to the public on Friday 15 November, from 6am to 6pm. The closure will accommodate filming of The Run, an upcoming film project being shot in the area.While no traffic control measures will be active on-site, a council staff member will be present alongside barriers, cones, and clear signage marking the car park as closed. The council encourages visitors to respect the temporary closure and plan accordingly.

Police are seeking the assistance of the public to locate wanted man, Aaron McCarthy.Aaron McCarthy, 30, is wanted on an outstanding bench warrant and may be in possession of a firearm.He is described as Caucasian, 180cm tall and about 80kg. He has numerous distinctive tattoos on his neck and head, and tattoos on both arms.If you see Aaron McCarthy or know of his whereabouts, please do not approach him but call the Police Assistance line on 131 444 immediately or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

The 2024 Schoolies Festival will be held on the weekend of 22-24 November and the City of Victor Harbor has produced a community newsletter to keep people in the loop.It will provide important information for local residents and businesses ahead of the annual school leaver celebration. That draws several thousand young people to the region.The newsletter covers:Road Closures: Nightly closures and alternative access for affected properties.Safety Measures: Road safety, security, and dry zone enforcement to ensure a safe festival.Local Business Support: How businesses can operate and participate during the event.Key Contacts: Useful numbers for road closures, emergencies, and festival-related inquiries. The festival, centred around Warland Reserve, has been managed by Encounter Youth for the past 25 years, with support and cooperation of the City of Victor Harbor and SAPOL.Access the newsletter online. Find out about Encounter Youth and the Schoolies Festival on the website.

D’Arenberg, the renowned McLaren Vale winery, has been named Best Vineyard in Australasia and ranked 32nd on the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 list. This recognition highlights D’Arenberg’s standing as one of the premier global destinations for wine enthusiasts, celebrated for its award-winning wines, immersive experiences, and scenic landscapes.The World’s Best Vineyards list, announced at an awards ceremony on Monday 4 November, is an annual ranking of exceptional vineyard destinations across five continents. This year, two other Australian wineries joined D’Arenberg in the Top 100: Penfolds Magill Estate, ranked 37th, and Seppeltsfield, ranked 84th.D’Arenberg's reputation as a top destination is bolstered by its commitment to innovative winemaking and its famous d’Arenberg Cube. This unique, five-story structure offers interactive wine experiences and art exhibitions, drawing visitors from around the globe.The Top 50 list is curated by William Reed, a respected information provider in the food and drink industry and the brand behind other global accolades like The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Nominations for the World’s Best Vineyards come from a global panel of wine and travel experts, each selecting seven vineyards they personally consider the best in the world. Each region’s Academy Chair leads a team of 36 specialists, with no predetermined criteria or official list, ensuring each vote is an authentic recognition of public vineyard experiences.For more information on the awards and the full list of winners, visit www.william-reed.com.

Community meetings will be held in Goolwa, Mount Compass and Strathalbyn from this week to enable input on Alexandrina Council’s strategic direction.This encompasses four draft plans to guide the strategic direction of Council over the next four to 10 years, which include:A2040 Our Plan to Thrive - Long Term Community Vision.Four Year Delivery Plan.Strategic Asset Management Plan.Long Term Financial Plan.“Together these plans will guide how your Council will deliver projects and services and sustainably manage our assets and finances to bring life to our community’s vision for Alexandrina to be liveable, green and connected,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“Our A2040 Community Vision, Strategic Asset Management Plan and Long Term Financial Plan are all ‘big picture’ strategic visions so we know where we will focus our efforts in the long term while ensuring we manage our assets and sustainably deliver our obligations now and into the future.“Our Long Term Financial Plan is a dynamic document responsive to Council Member decisions and changes in the economic environment. It is reviewed every year alongside our Annual Business Plan and Budget and changes to reflect the budget decisions we make every year.“Over the next four years, our delivery plan will look at how we focus our efforts to ensure we are a trusted and financial council and that we work with the community and key stakeholders to consider transport connections, contribute to well-planned towns and growth area, deliver sound climate and environmental stewardship and create an inclusive and thriving community.“The delivery plan also presents draft, community-led visions and ideas for each of the eight major communities within Alexandrina – Clayton Bay, Goolwa/Hindmarsh Island/Currency Creek, Langhorne Creek/Woodchester/Hartley, Middleton, Milang, Mount Compass, Port Elliot, and Strathalbyn/Finniss/Ashbourne.“These ideas have been put forward by each community through our Village Conversation community consultations last year and in 2021.”The information sessions will be held at the following locations:South Ward – Wednesday 13 November, 5pm to 7pm, Goolwa Council Chambers.West Ward – Tuesday 19 November, 5pm to7 pm, Mount Compass War Memorial Community Centre.North Ward – Thursday 21 November, 5pm to 7pm, Strathalbyn Community Centre.Submissions on the draft plans will be received by the council until Wednesday 4 December, at 5pm. To see the plans and complete an online survey, visit the Alexandrina Council My Say website.

The City of Victor Harbor is charting a new course to manage urban growth over the next quarter-century, as the area anticipates a significant population increase of 8,000 residents by 2050. To address this growth sustainably and maintain Victor Harbor’s unique character, the council is seeking input on its newly drafted Urban Growth Management Strategy (UGMS).The strategy, which follows a period of community consultation earlier this year, sets out six guiding principles aimed at ensuring that the city’s expansion will support a thriving community and resilient economy while preserving the local charm that residents and visitors cherish. These principles have been crafted based on feedback from residents and stakeholders, emphasizing balanced growth, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure planning.Public Consultation and Open DaysCommunity members now have the opportunity to weigh in on the draft strategy. Victor Harbor residents, business owners, and stakeholders are invited to attend open day sessions at the Council Chambers in the Civic Centre, where they can discuss the UGMS in detail and share their perspectives on where and how the city should grow.The open days will be held on:Thursday, 14 November 2024: 10 am - 1 pm and 4 pm - 7 pmSaturday, 16 November 2024: 9.30 am - 12.30 pmResidents interested in attending can register on the City of Victor Harbor’s website, and for those unable to make it in person, written submissions are welcome until 5 pm on Wednesday, 11 December 2024.Multiple Ways to Have Your SayIn addition to attending the open days, community members can submit their feedback in writing. Submissions can be made through an online form, emailed to the council, or sent by post. Full instructions and a downloadable submission template are available on the City of Victor Harbor’s website, providing flexible options for participation.This initiative is not only a chance for the community to contribute to the future of Victor Harbor but also to ensure that as the city grows, it does so in a way that enhances livability, preserves green spaces, and strengthens local infrastructure.What’s Next?Once the community feedback period concludes in December, the council will review the submissions, aiming to integrate residents’ input into the final UGMS. By including a range of voices in this foundational plan, Victor Harbor hopes to address both current needs and future demands, shaping a city that continues to be vibrant and welcoming for decades to come.For more information or to get involved, residents can contact the project team by email at [email protected] or by phone at (08) 8551 0500.

Kangaroo Island, get ready! The Australian Red Cross is holding a FREE EmergencyRedi workshop tonight in Kingscote, as part of the NRMA Insurance Help Nation initiative. With extreme weather becoming more frequent, this workshop is a valuable opportunity for locals to learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones in an emergency.Event Details:Date: Tuesday, 12th November 2024Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PMLocation: Junction Community Centre, KingscoteThe EmergencyRedi workshop is designed to help individuals and families create a personalised emergency plan. Led by trained staff and volunteers from the Australian Red Cross, this session will introduce participants to emergency preparedness essentials, guide them in starting their own RediPlan, and provide the tools and knowledge necessary to prepare for a range of emergency situations.These workshops are interactive and flexible, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the needs of the group, and include discussions, activities, and real-life examples to make preparedness practical and accessible.Want to Book Your Spot?To reserve a place or for more information, contact 08 8553 2809. If you are interested in scheduling a workshop specifically for your organisation, reach out to Sabrina Davis at 0439 670 494.Don’t miss this chance to enhance your emergency readiness and keep your family safe during extreme weather events.

This summer will now see the return of the long-absent pontoon to Yankalilla Bay, following anonymous private funding to the local council.At a special meeting on 5 November District Council of Yankalilla had voted to reject community funding through a Go Fund Me campaign to get the pontoon back into the water.A report to the council said it could be repaired and reinstalled for the 2024-25 summer season at a cost of $9,000 more than the $5,000 allocated in the annual budget for seasonal installation and removal.The Yankalilla & Normanville Progress Association spearheaded the community campaign to raise funds to meet the funding shortfall, exceeding the $9,000 target in 10 days.Projected ongoing annual maintenance costs of around $11,000 were cited as the reason the council would not proceed with reinstallation of the popular swimming platform.The council says there has been, “much community conversation, since the special meeting, at which it committed to exploring alternative funding sources through donations or sponsorship.Mayor Darryl Houston says he is proud of community support for the pontoon.“I am delighted to announce that, thanks to the incredible generosity of two anonymous donors contributing an additional $10,000, Council can now proceed with the necessary repairs and re-launch the pontoon into the waters of Normanville.”This is on top of the funds raised by the Progress Association, which the council confirmed was still available.“I am proud to serve a community that is so active and engaged, and I know the Elected Members and the team of staff at Council are excited to see the pontoon back in the water ahead of Christmas,” Mayor Houston says.With funds now secured for this financial year, CEO Nathan Cunningham says discussions will continue on developing a long-term plan for managing and maintaining the pontoon.The full update can be found on the council website.

Good morning! On this Tuesday, November 12, mobile roadside speed cameras are targeting Seaford and surrounding areas. These cameras aim to improve road safety and encourage responsible driving. Below is a list of the locations where speed compliance will be closely monitored today. Remember to drive safely and stick to the speed limits to keep everyone safe.COMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDELIZABETH RD, MORPHETT VALEESPLANADE, SEAFORDGRAND BVD, SEAFORDHILLIER RD, MORPHETT VALEMAIN SOUTH RD, MORPHETT VALEMAIN SOUTH RD, OLD NOARLUNGAOLD COACH RD, MASLIN BEACHOLD SOUTH RD, OLD REYNELLAROBINSON RD, OLD NOARLUNGASEAFORD RD, SEAFORD

Get ready for a night of mystery and laughter as the beloved theatrical comedy Great Detectives brings its 10th anniversary tour to the Victor Harbor Town Hall on Saturday 23 November at 7:30 pm. This celebrated production, which has been thrilling audiences across Australia, is set to deliver a one-night-only performance filled with suspense, comedy, and nostalgic nods to the golden era of 1950s radio dramas.Great Detectives revives iconic characters like private eyes Johnny Dollar and Candy Matson, who find themselves tackling fresh cases against dastardly new foes. Audiences will step into the world of a 1950s radio recording, with sound effects, witty banter, and live performances from an award-winning cast. The show is known for its engaging blend of thrills and comedy, making it a “performance not to be missed” according to Theatre Now​.Written and directed by Benjamin Maio Mackay, Great Detectives has received glowing reviews for its cast's superlative performances and has previously earned seven nominations at the Broadway World Sydney Theatre Awards. The tour stars actors Tate Simpson, Eden Trebilco, Jennifer Barry, and Benjamin Maio Mackay, with comedian Amy Sincock performing as a swing.Tickets for Great Detectives: All New Mysteries are available at Humanitix, with more details available at greatdetectivesaus.com. Don’t miss this exciting chance to see Great Detectives in Victor Harbor—prepare for an unforgettable evening of humour, suspense, and nostalgia.

Independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie had a win in federal Parliament last week, with both the Government and Opposition backing her amendments to new aged care reforms.Ms Sharkie supported passage of the Aged Care Bill 2024 through the House of Representatives, to progress implementation of a new aged care system with older people at its heart, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in March 2021.She says her amendments will ensure the once-in-a-generation aged care reforms will be reviewed in a thorough and timely manner, to make sure they are operating as intended.But, she says, unanswered questions remain about increased fees, the impact on those suffering hardship, and grandfathering of existing conditions.“I do not want to hold up once-in-a-generation reforms to aged care, more than three years after the Royal Commission showed a system plagued by neglect. But we need to ensure any future Act is achieving what is intended so that we can address any unintended consequences.“I am pleased to have secured Government and Opposition support for a sensible approach to review, working with Minister for Aged Care, Hon Anika Wells MP, and Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston.“I am also thankful to my constituents, to COTA, National Seniors Australia, the Older Persons Advocacy Network, and the Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) for their feedback on the Bill. This has been reflected in my questions during debate. I hope that answers will be clarified when the Bill is in the Senate.“My next priority is to ensure consultation with older people and advocates in developing subordinate rules and service lists, and we need a smooth transition for people receiving funded aged care services, as well as providers of their care.'“In the meantime, 76,000 older Australians are waiting up to 12-15 months for aged care at home,” Ms Sharkie says.“ACCPA says an additional 55,000 home care packages are urgently needed to keep up with the growing demand, and 73 per cent of its members said they could deliver additional home care if funded. “While this could cost up to $1.8 billion, that does not reflect savings to Government from increased contributions from older people, nor savings due to a delay in people taking up more costly residential aged care if they instead receive the care they need to live well at home for longer.“I asked the Minister during debate what the Government's plan is to fix this horrendous waiting list. She did not provide an answer. “We have consecutive budget surpluses and unless the Government properly resources home care now, reform will just be academic and the new system will inherit egregious delays that have seen some older people dying while waiting for aged care.”

Writer: Lara Pacillo. Courtesy Coast Lines MagazineFour-and-a-half years have passed since the Black Summer bushfires on Kangaroo Island. Nature is flourishing again, with produce thriving, animals multiplying, and communities rebuilding.But it has not been forgotten what was lost in December 2019, when nearly half the island burned. A total of 211,474 hectares of land, 32 000 animals, two human lives, homes, businesses, and crops were all lost to the fires.“We lost our entire property, our house, all our infrastructure, livestock, machinery, everything,” says Sabrina Davis, one of around 4500 residents of Kangaroo Island.Forced to relocate to the opposite end of the island with her two young children while her husband focused on recovering the property, Sabrina felt isolated.This wasn’t helped by COVID, which came along only a few months later. Yet from this isolation, her Humans of Kangaroo Island storytelling project was born.Sabrina began speaking with others in the community and sharing their stories online with the island and the wider community. Her platform soon grew a strong following.“In a time of a lot of grief, trauma, frustration, challenges, recovery, and COVID, I think the stories gave people a moment out of their life where they could just relax and read about how their neighbours and friends were going, or they could find out something new about that community member they had maybe seen before in the supermarket and never spoken to,” Sabrina says.“The project ended up creating a lot of connections and became a conversation starter for many people. It created a positive light in what was quite a dark time.”In the years since, Sabrina has published a book collating the Humans of Kangaroo Island stories, hosted a music festival, and created a documentary, all to raise funds for the island’s recovery.She now works with the Australian Red Cross in her efforts to support other disaster-affected families.“I can use my personal lived experience to help families across Australia, with the hope that some of the information I've learned can be helpful for others who find themselves in that unfortunate situation.”Maintaining properties is a high priority on Kangaroo Island, where residents are more focused than ever on gathering resources and taking preventative measures to avoid repeating the past.Among these innovations is Embarr — a new smart bushfire sprinkler that automatically switches on and off in response to bushfire threats.“Embarr detects flames from a couple of hundred metres away and then runs a deluge of water over your property. It then switches off again,” explains co-owner Paul Sandercock.Embarr was founded by firefighter and paramedic Graham Pole. He came up with the idea for his elderly father, who lived in a bushfire-prone area, concerned he would not be physically able to start the bushfire pump.Since entering the market two years ago, Embarr’s fire detection sprinkler has grown in popularity Australia-wide and on Kangaroo Island. The product extends and maximises a pump’s fuel and water supply by activating and deactivating itself, reducing potential damage and helping to save lives.“Embarr offers the confidence to get out early and know that your investment in your sprinkler system and your house will have a better level of protection because of the automation,” Paul says.“Our tech means you can get your family and yourself out of there and leave it to the virtual firefighter to do the job that humans had to do in the past.“People lose lives, they lose pets, they lose property — fires leave a terrible scar. We’re offering something to provide more protection.”The Kangaroo Island Rare Plant Garden is another future-proofing initiative that sprouted after the Black Summer fires.The project is a collaboration between the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre, the Nature Conservation Society of SA, and Bio·R, funded by the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant.It started out in 2022 with about 80 species — a mix of rare plants and plants endemic to Kangaroo Island — within a 75m by 150m space. Now, in 2024, the Kangaroo Island Rare Plant Garden is home to over 100 species, with the garden growing by 20 per cent each year.“The idea is to collect the seed, grow the plants, and then get them back into the wild so that the plants that are only found in one or two locations on Kangaroo Island can have multiple populations across the island,” explains Bio·R Nursery Manager Penny Paton.“So if there’s a fire or another emergency, then we’ve actually got some other insurance populations somewhere else on the island.”Kangaroo Island and the Mount Lofty Ranges region is one of 15 biodiversity hotspots in Australia; an area recognised for its rich flora and fauna, particularly those that are endemic or restricted to a specific location. This significance is recognised by the government and community.Through the Kangaroo Island Rare Plant Garden, people volunteer in weekly workshops, which involve weeding, planting, watering, and collecting seed. There is a focus on educating the community, particularly school kids, about the unique plants. The garden represents resilience, futureproofing and community passion.“I think immediately after the fires, it was really important to have things that were forward-looking and also strategies in place to mitigate against the effects of such a catastrophic event,” Penny says.“Our project, along with many others that were coming to life on the island, gave people something positive to focus on.“Almost half of the island was burnt in the fires, and a lot of biodiversity was impacted —some of which will not come back. I think protecting what we have and having insurance policies against such disasters in the future is really important in such a biodiversity hotspot."Sabrina Davis says Kangaroo Island has always been a community that is very well connected and very good at supporting each other, and this has only grown stronger through adversity.“I think that's why recovery happened so well, because we are just such a resilient community,” she says.“Most people live here for the same reasons — we like beautiful beaches and freedom, we like hanging out with like-minded people, and all of us really appreciate having this beautiful big space to ourselves.“There have been more and more connections created over the years since, and I think they will mean that even if we need to prepare for or experience another disaster in the future, the power of the network within our community is much stronger than it was before.”WIN your copy of Humans of KI here

South Australians are encouraged to vote in the Global Best Of Wine Tourism People’s Choice Awards with six South Australian wine businesses in the running to be crowned the world’s favourite. Global and Regional winners from the prestigious awards, which were held in Verona, Italy, last month, have been nominated for the People’s Choice Award. The Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards and People’s Choice Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism through the greatest wine regions in the world. The South Australian wine tourism businesses in the running are:Beresford Estate, McLaren Vale (Regional Winner) – Accommodation category.Dandelion Vineyards, McLaren Vale (Global Winner) – Architecture & Landscape category.Sidewood Estate, Adelaide Hills (Regional Winner) – Culinary Experiences category and Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices category.McLaren Vale Distillery, McLaren Vale (Regional Winner) – Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences category.Watervale Hotel, Clare Valley (Regional Winner) – Wine Tourism Services category.Kimbolton Wines, Langhorne Creek (Regional Winner) – Wine Tourism Services category.The awards are an initiative of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network; South Australia has been a member of the network since 2016. It is an exclusive group of 12 internationally renowned wine regions including Bilbao/Rioja (Spain), Bordeaux (France), Cape Town/Cape Winelands (South Africa), Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand), Lausanne (Switzerland), Mainz/Rheinhessen (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal), San Francisco/Napa Valley (US), Valparaiso/Casablanca Valley (Chile), and Verona (Italy). The Adelaide, South Australia chapter of Great Wine Capitals is a partnership between the South Australian Tourism Commission, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australian Wine Industry Association, and the University of Adelaide.Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison has congratulated the state’s winners now in the running for a Global Best Of Wine Tourism People’s Choice Award. “Adelaide, 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 Global Best Of Wine Tourism People’s Choice Award is a wonderful recognition for our local wine tourism businesses and will help further promote our state on the international stage. “I encourage all South Australians to get behind these six amazing wine tourism businesses and vote for their favourite over the next two weeks.” Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open from 4-18 November 2024. For more information visit the website. 

At 4:13 pm today, South Australia’s State Emergency Service (SES) was alerted to a vehicle accident on Waitpinga Road, Waitpinga.Two SES units are currently on-site, responding to the incident. Authorities have not yet provided details regarding the condition of those involved or the cause of the accident.Drivers are advised to exercise caution in the area, as emergency crews work to manage the scene. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

The Country Fire Service (CFS) was alerted to a grass fire at 3:38 pm today on Twentyeight Road, McLaren Vale.Three CFS units are currently on the scene working to contain the blaze. Further updates will be provided as they become available.For those in the area, please stay alert and follow any guidance from local authorities.

This week, RSPCA South Australia is thrilled to showcase two wonderful pets, Hyacinth and Woody, who are ready to find their forever homes.Dog of the Week – HyacinthSay hello to Hyacinth, with animal ID 190151! Just as lovely as her name, Hyacinth is a beautiful girl who’s eager to find her forever home. She’s a sweet, fun-loving companion ready to enjoy life’s adventures by your side. Whether it’s hiking, beach walks, or cozy couch cuddles, Hyacinth is up for it all. She’s ready to bring joy, loyalty, and a touch of elegance to her new family. If you’re looking for a devoted companion, come meet Hyacinth soon! For more information, visit her profile here.Cat of the Week – WoodyMeet Woody, with animal ID 186412, a cheeky and playful cat with a lovable personality. While Woody may be a bit shy at first, with patience, he’ll reveal his fun-loving side, delighting you with his zoomies and playful antics. He’s a fan of puzzle feeders, toys, and absolutely loves being brushed to keep his beautiful fur in top shape. Woody would thrive in a calm, quiet home without young children and could potentially enjoy the company of another feline friend after he settles in. If you think Woody is the perfect match for your home, come meet him! You can find more information on Woody here.Both Hyacinth and Woody are ready to bring joy and companionship to their new families. If you’re interested in adopting, visit RSPCA South Australia’s animal care campus at O’Halloran Hill.

An Alexandrina Council proposal to make Strathalbyn’s Town Centre safer for pedestrians and motorists by creating a 40km/h speed limit precinct is open for community feedback.The proposed precinct would encompass the streets surrounded by West Terrace, East Terrace, and South Terrace. It would exclude Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) arterial roads.A 50km/h speed limit currently applies in the Strathalbyn Town Centre. Investigating the possibility of lowering the limit, the council has undertaken traffic counts on several streets within the Strathalbyn township in early 2024.The counts showed the average speed of motorists using all the roads in the Town Centre was 40.9km/h (inclusive of DIT roads) and 38.5km/h (exclusive of DIT roads).“The investigation and subsequent proposal to create a precinct has been driven by North Ward Council Members who believe this idea could make the town centre safer for pedestrians and motorists,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“Council is now putting the proposal out to the community to seek their feedback. I would like to encourage Strathalbyn residents in particular, and those who use Strathalbyn as their regional centre to take part in this consultation.“It is important to note that if this idea is supported by the Strathalbyn and the wider Alexandrina community, all speed limit changes require DIT approval, even on those roads under the care and control of Council.“Council would need to seek DIT approval for any changes to speed limits in the Strathalbyn Town Centre.”Submissions regarding the 40km/h speed limit precinct proposal for Strathalbyn’s Town Centre opened on Thursday 7 November and will be accepted until 5pm on Friday 29 November.To view the proposal, including a map, and to fill in the online survey, head to the council’s My Say website.

The 2024 Shannon’s Adelaide Rally heads to Strathalbyn on Sunday 10 November. This popular annual motorsport event will feature high-speed driving displays, showcasing a variety of classic and modern performance cars as they take on scenic and challenging routes through the region.To ensure a safe and smooth experience for rally participants and spectators, a series of road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place on Sunday. These temporary closures, approved by SA Police, will impact several key roads in Strathalbyn throughout the day.Here’s a rundown of the affected roads and closure times:Strathalbyn Road (from Waterman Road to Cosgrove Road): Closed from 9am to 5.30pm.Commercial Road (from North Parade to Albyn Terrace): Closed from 8am to 6pm.Albyn Terrace (from Commercial Road to Rankine Street): Closed from 8am to 6pm.Catherine Street (from Albyn Terrace to Donald Street): Closed from 8am to 6pm.Donald Street (from Catherine Street to Rankine Street): Closed from 8am to 6pm.Rankine Street (from Donald Street to Sunter Street): Closed from 8am to 6pm.Sunter Street (from Albyn Terrace to Grey Street): Closed from 8am to 6pm.Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes and to be aware of potential delays due to the closures. For residents and visitors looking to enjoy the rally, these closures will ensure a safe environment to experience the adrenaline and spectacle of this motorsport event.