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Quick Response Vehicles add to CFS capacity
Quick Response Vehicles add to CFS capacity

20 July 2025, 8:32 PM

The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) is beginning the rollout of 35 new Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) to brigades and groups across the state, reinforcing frontline fire response capacity ahead of the next fire season.Six Fleurieu brigades are among those to receive the QRVs: Waitpinga, Strathalbyn, Sellicks, Lower Inman Valley, Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale.These ultra-light tankers are engineered for agility and rapid response and feature a Toyota 79 Series LandCruiser Workmate cab chassis, equipped with a turbocharged diesel engine, making it ideal for rapid deployment in rugged terrain.Each QRV is has an estimated value of $193,000, with the total rollout estimated to be worth approximately $6.8m. Two of the new vehicles have been Federally funded.“These vehicles are mainly used for combating grass and scrub fires and are a significant investment in the safety of our volunteers and communities, particularly those operating in hard-to-access areas,” CFS Acting Deputy Chief Officer Brenton Hastie says.“They feature fire apparatus safety systems such as in-cabin water system covering all windows, an in-cab breathing system, and radiant heat curtains in-cab, covering front and side windows.“The modular stowage system and integrated telecommunications make them highly adaptable for local brigade needs.”The QRVs come equipped with essential operational tools, including a manual hose reel, a driving light bar, in-cabin pump start, and scene/perimeter lighting on both sides.To further support CFS field operations, each QRV includes a 20L fridge, a 240V inverter for battery chainsaw charging, and in-station charging compatibility through a low-voltage connection.This new delivery of QRVs will see the CFS fleet increase to 81.CFS Belair Brigade Captain Mark Brooks says the new vehicles will be welcomed by all brigades set to receive them.'Every volunteer values new equipment that enhances our ability to protect the community, especially when it boosts their brigade’s operational capacity and these QRVs certainly deliver on that front,' he says.Emergency Services Minister Emily Bourke has welcomed the new vehicles into the state’s emergency response fleet.“Designed for versatility and rapid response, these QRVs improve access for our firefighters in steep areas and along fire tracks and they’ll most certainly be welcomed by our CFS volunteers.”

Forging creativity and connection
Forging creativity and connection

20 July 2025, 3:00 AM

Forging creativity and connection: The story behind Bushy’s ProjectsBy Tahney Fosdike. Photos supplied.Thanks to Coast Lines magazine“No one does what we do," says Charlie Keep, Creative Director of Bushy’s Projects. She runs the blacksmithing business with her husband, Tom—a self-taught blacksmith with a background in tourism."I was very nomadic. I'd relocate between Darwin and the Riverland depending on the season,” Tom says about life before Bushy’s. “I did that for five years before becoming a tour guide full-time. Then, I drove buses with backpackers through the Outback, running tours out to Uluru and Kakadu."Meanwhile, Charlie was across the world in the UK, working in film with Disney and other studios. The pair met by chance during one of Tom’s tours when Charlie was visiting Australia. Several years and many adventures later, they combined their creative streaks by relocating to Encounter Bay in 2020 and setting up their business in Port Elliot a year later.Tom has always been connected to creating things by hand. Born in Alice Springs, he says he owes his appreciation for nature as a source of inspiration to his father, whom he calls a “natural bushman.”"It's about the mindset—making something of not much,” he says, “When you're in the desert, there's not much to do. You have to make your own fun and activities. That mindset is key."Tom has carried this sense of self-sufficiency throughout life, developing his trade as a self-taught designer and maker in his 20s, forging steel and carving, crafting and shaping timber, using traditional techniques, to tell stories about the materials themselves.“It's a degree of resilience and dealing with uncomfortable environments and resourcefulness and being able to make something out of not a lot,” Charlie says, “Tom built the entire workshop out of upcycled materials–all the benches, power hammer, all pieces of equipment.”Over time, Tom’s passion allowed him to accumulate enough knowledge to open Bushy’s, where he creates bespoke, made-to-order commissions as well as a line of more affordable items. Raw and natural materials remain central to his artisanship, with his range of unique products made to last and be used over a lifetime. “I think he just loves it because he gets to go and have fun every day,” Charlie says. Bushy’s started fairly organically, from small commissions to retailing products through other businesses, like local breweries, before joining various markets and shows.“It's just taken off, really,” she says. “We made it happen.” Soon, people began asking Tom and Charlie if they could ‘come and have a go’ in the workshop.To meet demand, the pair, using their backgrounds in marketing and tourism, developed workshops to engage the community in the blacksmithing process. The 'Blacksmithing Experience' accommodates up to six people, inviting them to forge one large or several small items under Tom’s guidance. Sessions last four to eight hours, although Charlie says, “Tom always goes over time because he always overdelivers.” “The majority of people really want to come and get stuck into it. “We even had a mother and daughter drive all the way up from Mount Gambier.” Tom says his background as a tour guide helps him engage with people. He uses the experience to share values of sustainability and connection, encouraging participants to bring self-sourced sentimental materials to be turned into functional objects. "A father and son recently brought in a machete from their grandfather. They wanted to turn it into a cleaver. It’s a meaningful piece for them." He says that people have brought in pieces of the decommissioned Granite Island Causeway, as well as other locally collected and historical materials from the Fleurieu Peninsula, like railway spikes picked up during a walk along a train line.“Things like this would usually sit in the shed forever. Now, they bring them in and make things out of them, like knives,” Tom says. Bushy’s aims to give materials new lives, while holding onto their meaning.There is more to come for Bushy’s, with potential workshop expansions and membership programs on the horizon. No matter where the future takes them, craftsmanship, sustainability and community will remain at the forefront as the couple blends innovation and tradition with their distinctive sense of adventure.

Speed cameras focused on southern Fleurieu – Sunday, July 20
Speed cameras focused on southern Fleurieu – Sunday, July 20

19 July 2025, 7:30 AM

Drivers are reminded to be extra vigilant on the roads this Sunday, July 20, with mobile speed cameras set to focus on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula and surrounding areas.As part of South Australia Police’s continued effort to promote road safety, speed detection units will be active in a number of high-risk and high-traffic locations across the region. With many locals and visitors expected to be out and about over the weekend, it’s a timely reminder to check your speed and stay alert behind the wheel.Whether you're heading to the coast, exploring regional towns, or travelling through to Adelaide, please drive responsibly and observe all posted speed limits.A complete list of mobile speed camera locations for Saturday has been released. Let’s work together to make our roads safer for everyone.BAINS RD, WOODCROFTBARCELONA RD, NOARLUNGA DOWNSBARTEL BVD, ENCOUNTER BAYCANDY RD, O'HALLORAN HILLCHRISTIE RD, LONSDALEEDUCATION RD, HAPPY VALLEYFERGUSON RD, GOOLWA BEACHFRANKLIN PDE, ENCOUNTER BAYGARDINER ST, GOOLWAGOOLWA RD, MOUNT COMPASSHILLIER RD, REYNELLAMAIN SOUTH RD, MORPHETT VALEMAIN SOUTH RD, HACKHAMMAIN SOUTH RD, OLD REYNELLAMENTONE RD, HAYBOROUGHMORROW RD, LONSDALENANGKITA RD, MOUNT COMPASSOLD SOUTH RD, OLD REYNELLAPAGES FLAT RD, MYPONGASEAVIEW RD, VICTOR HARBORSHEREBROOKE BVD, WOODCROFTVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT COMPASSVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT JAGGEDWATERPORT RD, PORT ELLIOTWELCH RD, HINDMARSH VALLEY

Next Tour Down Under routes announced
Next Tour Down Under routes announced

18 July 2025, 10:19 PM

South Australia will be the epicentre of international cycling once again when the Santos Tour Down Under returns with a 10-day festival from16-25 January 2026.Willunga and the southern vales will feature in both the men’s and women’s races, but the south coast will not host a start or finish next year. The 10-day Santos Festival of Cycling will begin with a teams presentation in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga on Friday January 16, followed by the women’s race from January 17-19 and a revamped men’s race from January 20-25. It will see the return of an inner-city prologue, a triple treat on Willunga Hill and final day showdown in Stirling to open the men’s and women’s UCI WorldTour seasons. Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison says releasing the race routes for next year’s Santos Tour Down Under is a catalyst for interstate and overseas cycling fans to plan and book their annual January holidays to South Australia. “Earlier this year we celebrated the event’s 25th birthday which saw approximately 807,900 people attending the event, helping generate $62.5 million for the state’s economy. Now we want to take that momentum into next year where once again the eyes of the world will be on South Australia for 10 days when we host the biggest bike race in the southern hemisphere. “Already the first race in the world to offer equal prize money for women and men, January is also shaping up to be the first time in our race’s history we’ve had all women’s and men’s WorldTour teams on the start line. “Our race directors have designed a fresh and interesting course that showcases our city as well as the stunning natural beauty of our regions such as the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Fleurieu Peninsula, and the communities and towns that make the event so special. Features of the 2026 women’s race include:The first time all 15 WorldTeams are set to be on the start line, racing the longest ever women’s TDU at 395km. A 137km opening stage starting and finishing in Willunga and taking in Port Willunga, McLaren Vale and Aldinga. Fan-friendly locations Norwood and Magill on the city fringe and picturesque Willunga to host stage starts for the first time.Features of the 2026 men’s race include: A 3.6km twilight prologue taking riders from the heart of the CBD to Victoria Park. Henley Beach hosting a stage start and the Mount Barker Council town of Nairne hosting a stage finish – both for the first time. Riders tackling the iconic Willunga Hill climb three times on the queen stage and penultimate day. A finale in Stirling with the last stage to test the peloton over eight laps of an undulating 21km circuit.    

Speed cameras target Sellicks Beach and beyond – Friday, July 18
Speed cameras target Sellicks Beach and beyond – Friday, July 18

17 July 2025, 8:00 AM

Motorists are urged to drive with caution tomorrow, Friday, July 18, as mobile speed cameras are set to monitor roads across the Fleurieu Peninsula and wider South Australia — with Sellicks Beach among the key target areas.As part of an ongoing statewide road safety initiative, police will deploy speed detection units in locations known for high traffic volumes or previous speeding concerns. These efforts aim to reduce road accidents and encourage safer driving behaviour throughout both regional and metropolitan areas.Whether you're travelling locally, commuting to the city, or enjoying a coastal drive, remember to check your speed, stay focused, and drive responsibly.The full list of mobile speed camera locations for Friday has been released. Help keep our roads safe — for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.ALDINGA BEACH RD, ALDINGA BEACHANGLE VALE RD, EVANSTON GARDENSBABBACOMBE DR, MOANABALMORAL RD, COCKATOO VALLEYBARNET RD, EVANSTONCLARK RD, EVANSTON GARDENSDUBLIN RD, DUBLINESPLANADE, ALDINGA BEACHGRANTS GULLY RD, CLARENDONGULF PDE, MASLIN BEACHGULF VIEW RD, SELLICKS BEACHHIGH ST, WILLUNGAHORROCKS HWY, ROSEWORTHYJOLLYTOWN RD, LYNDOCHKANGARILLA RD, KANGARILLAMAIN RD, MCLAREN VALEMCLAREN FLAT RD, KANGARILLAMURRAY ST, TANUNDAOAKLEY RD, MCLAREN FLATOLD COACH RD, MASLIN BEACHSEAVIEW RD, MCLAREN VALESELLICKS BEACH RD, SELLICKS BEACHTATACHILLA RD, TATACHILLATHIELE HWY, FREELINGTRAEGER RD, MALLALA

Organ donor plea to young South Australians
Organ donor plea to young South Australians

17 July 2025, 3:10 AM

Young South Australians are being urged to register as organ donors and have conversations with their families, to help save lives should the unthinkable happen. The state government says that while South Australia significantly leads the nation in organ donation registration, only 40 per cent of South Australians aged 16 to 24 are on the register, compared with 70 to 84 per cent for older age groups. South Australia is the only state where people can register on the Australian Organ Donor Registry through their driver's licence. Anyone aged 16 or over can register. Because of the driver’s licence scheme, South Australia leads the nation with 74 percent of eligible people registering their wish to become an organ donor. That is more than twice the national average. More than half of all 16 to 17-year-olds on the national register are from South Australia.Health Minister Chris Picton says South Australians should be proud of the fact that we lead the nation in organ donation registration. Our sign-up rate is more than double the national average. “There is no doubt this is helped by our unique system of being able to register when you get or renew your driver’s licence. “We’re urging even more South Australians – particularly young people – to register to give the gift of life to others. Getting your driver’s licence is the perfect opportunity to sign up. “Of course, no young person or their family wants to imagine the worst happening at the wheel, but having those serious conversations about responsibility on the roads is the perfect time to talk about the amazing gift of organ donation.” DonateLife SA Medical Director Dr Stewart Moodie and other advocates want more young South Australians to sign up and talk to their families about their wishes.“Talk to your family, have that conversation. Time and again we see that it helps a family in the midst of their devastation when the person has registered and discussed their wishes.  “This is particularly important for the family of a young person, where they see that their tragedy can do such good.” One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and change the lives of many more through eye and tissue donation. Adelaide father and organ donation advocate Oren Klemich lost his 18-year-old son Jack to Meningococcal disease 16 years ago. “Our gorgeous son Jack was pronounced dead 16 years ago having contracted Meningococcal disease. He was 18 years old, studying Year 12. “He had registered as an organ donor through his driver’s licence registration. At the time of registering, he had asked his mother, ‘Mum, what’s organ donation?’ Her reply was, ‘If something horrible happens to you, the doctors can give your organs to someone else.’ “Jack ticked the box to register, and sadly, several months later, he died. Five of his organs were received by four people around Australia. Jack saved the lives of four Australians. Sixteen years on, three are still alive today. “Losing Jack was the worst time of our lives, but the knowledge of his organs saving other people’s lives provides us comfort.” More than 1,800 Australians are waiting for an organ transplant but sadly in the past five years, more than 200 have died waiting. An additional 14,000 on dialysis for kidney failure might also benefit from a transplant. Families have the final decision in organ donation, which is why it’s so important for people to register and talk to their loved ones. When people are registered, eight out of ten families give consent for the organ donation, but that drops to four out of ten if the family is not aware of their relative’s intentions. The plea for more young South Australians in particular to become organ donors comes ahead of national DonateLife week, 27 July to 3 August. People can register on the DonateLife website, through their driver’s licence registration or renewal, or through Medicare.    

Be on the lookout for cyber scams
Be on the lookout for cyber scams

16 July 2025, 8:47 PM

Hills Fleurieu police are urging the community to remain vigilant following a recent cyber scam that cost a local thousands of dollars.Earlier this month, Mount Barker police were contacted by a local woman who was targeted by a scammer posing as an employee from a phone company. This caller falsely claimed that the victim's internet had been compromised and persuaded her to download an application and transfer $5000 to "secure" her network. The victim was also asked to send copies of her Medicare card and driver's licence to the scammer.SAPOL offers the following tips to help protect yourself from scams:Hang up and contact the organisation on a known, reputable number. Do NOT trust contact details given to you by the caller.Be aware of requests for unusual payment methods. Once you have placed money into a crypto ATM it will never be seen again.Remember that you can still receive scam calls from a private number. If in doubt, hang up and ring the organisation back on a known reputable number.Never download programs or applications at the request of someone over the phone.Do not be intimidated by technical language or pushy behaviour.Make sure your computer is protected and regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Conduct your own research first and only purchase software from a source that you know and trust.Never give remote access to your device or computer, no matter how legitimate they appear!For more tips on staying cyber safe, visit Australian Cyber Security Centre and report any cybercrimes to police.

Fisheries vessel to inspect harmful algal bloom
Fisheries vessel to inspect harmful algal bloom

16 July 2025, 2:40 AM

South Australia’s flagship fisheries patrol vessel Southern Ranger is operating in the Gulf of St Vincent today, Wednesday 16 July, to conduct underwater observations of the harmful algal bloom to understand the effect on the ecosystem. A variety of locations will be visually surveyed with remote operated vehicles and this information will help authorities to better understand the rate of potential recovery once the bloom dissipates. Marine sanctuaries, where an extensive data set already exists, will be surveyed to provide a comparison with the observations from the trip.Professor Gavin Begg, Executive Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, told ABC Radio that the vessel will operate in waters off Rapid Bay and Carrickalinga and up to Outer Harbor, using underwater drones.Community concern has been growing since the algal bloom first affected south coast waters in March.A public meeting, organised by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, brought together scientists, activists and concerned citizens at Brighton-Seacliff Yacht Club last night, Tuesday 15 July.Senator Hanson-Young says the algal bloom is a national disaster and should be treated as such by the federal government.A Sit-in for the Sea will be held on the steps of Parliament House on Sunday 27 July.It had been hoped that winter storms would break up and disperse the bloom, but while the effects on the south coast have reduced, the blook has persisted and spread to metropolitan beaches and across the waters off Yorke Peninsula.State government agencies are now taking weekly water samples at 17 sites across West Lakes, the Port River, the Patawalonga River and the end of four jetties at Largs Bay, Grange, Glenelg and Port Noarlunga. A state government taskforce and reference group has been established to help industries and stakeholders respond to and recover from the algal bloom affecting South Australia’s environment and coastline. The group will comprise representatives from Seafood Industry South Australia, RecFish SA, Conservation Council, Tourism Industry Council and First Nations groups. The Harmful Algal Bloom Reference Group will:Represent sectors to identify key issues for government to consider in managing and recovering from the algal bloom.Identify opportunities to further engage with and provide more information to industry sectors, stakeholders and the community.Provide ideas for government consideration to support an expanded scientific monitoring program.The group will report to the Harmful Algal Bloom Taskforce which will meet weekly in Adelaide to discuss the latest updates on the algal bloom.Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says the state government recognises the widespread effects of the algal bloom on the environment, coastline, businesses and industries, and has established this reference group to work with those people who are on the frontline. “The algal bloom is a dynamic situation and its effects are unpredictable but, by bringing together industry representatives and science specialists, we can continue looking at research and investment options. “We have already provided immediate fee relief to the industries affected by the algal bloom and will continue to support them through this difficult time.” Experts believe there are three potential plausible contributing factors causing the bloom, which started in March:A marine heatwave that started in September 2024 – with sea temperatures about 2.5°C warmer than usual – combined with calm conditions, light winds and small swells.The 2022-23 River Murray flood washing extra nutrients into the sea.An unprecedented cold-water upwelling in summer 2023-24 that has brought nutrient-rich water to the surface.The algal bloom has caused discoloured water and foam along parts of the state’s coasts and has affected various marine wildlife, including fish, sharks, rays, and a wide range of invertebrates. Health advice from state government agenciesKarenia mikimotoi does not cause long-term harmful effects in humans but exposure to discoloured or foamy water can cause short-term skin or eye irritation and respiratory symptoms, including coughing or shortness of breath. If you are outdoors and experience irritation, go indoors, close windows and rinse exposed skin. If symptoms are more severe or do not resolve, seek medical advice from a GP and call 000 if it is a medical emergency. People and dogs should avoid swimming or surfing in discoloured water, foam or where marine life is dead or in poor health. Do not eat dead fish and cockles because of decomposition and spoilage. Fish caught live are safe to eat. Report fish deaths to FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522. Dog owners should keep their pets under effective control to prevent them eating dead or dying fish, which may cause similar symptoms to those in humans. No reports of dogs becoming sick from the algal bloom have been received but owners concerned about their pet’s health should take them to a veterinary clinic.   

Greater protection for home builders
Greater protection for home builders

15 July 2025, 9:12 PM

With plans to build thousands of new homes across the region, the state government has introduced better protections, with maximum insurance payouts to increase to $250,000 if a builder fails to deliver a finished a home.The Treasurer and the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs have completed a joint review into Building Indemnity Insurance to enhance protection for consumers and support for the building industry.Under the reforms, from October 1, the policy limit for all QBE policies - which represent the majority of the SA market - will increase from $150,000 to $250,000. The 66 per cent increase will see home builders receive up to $100,000 more in the event their home is not completed.The average premium for a new build or renovation valued between $500,000 to $750,000 will increase from $2,251 to $2,814, a difference of $563 or 0.1 per cent of the value of the build.The $100,000 increase in cover is to keep pace with the higher building industry costs.The state government also intends to update the regulations that will make it mandatory for all insurers to provide the increased cover to better protect all people building or renovating their home. Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels says South Australians will gain a much stronger level of protection when building a home.“Buying a home is the biggest investment most people will make in their lives and it is so important that people have sufficient building indemnity insurance in place when building.“Our building industry is strong but we have all seen the horror stories in recent years after a builder has collapsed and that’s why we have acted to ensure South Australian consumers have better protection in place to complete their homes in the event something goes wrong.”Building Indemnity Insurance protects homeowners against losses relating to non- completion of a property and defective works where a builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent.It has ensured work can be completed on properties impacted by the insolvency of major builders, including Felmeri Group, 7 Star Constructions, Qattro Built and Xtraordinary Constructions.The state government took on underwriting Building Indemnity Insurance when private insurers withdrew from this specific market in 2013.It says in the past 12 months, several builders have become insolvent, and currently more than 100 claims have been lodged relating to the collapse of those businesses.

Call for Royal Commission into toxic algal bloom
Call for Royal Commission into toxic algal bloom

14 July 2025, 3:05 AM

An independent Royal Commission must be convened to examine the wide-ranging and devastating impacts of the toxic algal bloom on South Australia’s marine industries, according to the state opposition.The Liberal Party is calling on the state government to allocate funding to support the Royal Commission and recommends the terms of reference include:A review of marine environment monitoring.Identifying key environmental early warning signs of toxic algal blooms.Examining health impacts of the toxic algae to marine life and humans.Economic impact of marine disasters on coastal communities and industries.Preventative measures to avoid or reduce impact of future events.Recommendations for how to respond to future events.Leader of the Opposition Vincent Tarzia says the sheer scale of the environmental disaster on our coastline demands this scale of response.“This goes far beyond politics. This is about doing all we can collectively to ensure we understand the full impact of this disaster and what actions we can take to help the affected industries,” he says. “The experience of similar incidents around the world shows that it could be several years before our fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries recover from the enormity of the algal bloom event.“A Royal Commission would bring independent accountability, transparency and real recommendations for the best way to support our industries now and into the future.“We firmly believe that a Royal Commission is what this crisis deserves and will bring the necessary independent oversight to this issue. I would encourage the government to pursue this as a matter of urgency.”Acting Premier Susan Close has rejected the call, saying it would be a waste of money asking questions scientists have already answered.The Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Regional South Australia, Dr Nicola Centofanti, says the state’s marine industries are worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the economy and they deserve this investment in their future."Royal Commissions are the highest form of public inquiry in our democratic system,” Dr Centofanti says.“We establish them when an issue is so serious, so complex, or so systemic that it demands a deep, independent investigation, beyond what a Government department or Parliamentary committee can provide.“While a Royal Commission provides a medium to long term solution, we are also calling on the Government to do better when it comes to immediate relief.“We are calling for a full waiver of commercial fishing license fees beyond June of this year for those affected.“When boats can’t go out and catches can’t be made, it really is unjustified to expect businesses to pay fees that are normally based on active commercial use.”Shadow Minister for the Environment and Finniss MP David Basham says a Royal Commission would also look at the impact natural disasters have on coastal communities who rely on tourism and marine industries.“Many coastal towns have now had two peak school holiday periods impacted by this algal bloom, yet where is the relief or certainty for them?“The future of our coastal environment, communities and industries relies on us doing the right thing now, and that means an urgent and independent Royal Commission.“Labor’s environmental platform to date seems to be an effort to secure COP and even that being delivered is in doubt.“Labor has done nothing but grandstand its environmental credentials by declaring a climate emergency, but this is pure tokenism when they fail to respond when the impact of that emergency washes up on our shores.”

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