Alexandrina Council will run its Greening and Wildlife project for a second year, following success of the inaugural program in 2024.A collaboration with Second Nature Conservancy, the project offers low cost native plants, a free workshop, a nature walk and expert advice.The six native plants for $6 scheme aims to improving biodiversity in local gardens. A free workshop will show how to create a native garden in pots and small spaces.A special walk and talk event in Goolwa as part of the Nature Festival will explore local microbats.The project will also offer expert advice on gardening for wildlife and using native plants.To find out more, visit the Second Nature Conservancy website. 

 Finniss MP David Basham is urging the Victor Harbor and Alexandrina Councils to reassess their footpath and bike path policies and budgets following new state regulations to legalise e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-solo-wheels.Following recent foot surgery, Mr Basham has been using mobility scooters to get to his electorate office and to meetings and events around town. He says using the footpaths and bike paths has given him a different perspective into the infrastructure needs of many in the community.“The footpaths and bike paths are well used, both by very active people and those in the community with physical limitations. On-going upgrades and maintenance of these paths are an important part of continuing to provide for the community.“In my daily travels, I have come across several footpaths where there are missing sections of continuous path, or the path stops all together. I then have to divert onto roads, which is not ideal. In some places, there are no alternatives but to be technically jaywalking (jay-scootering) to get where I need to go.“I have also found that pavers are not ideal for traveling on, as it’s extremely rough and bumpy. They might look aesthetically pleasing but they are not as practical a surface for riding on.”Mr Basham says the recent announcement to allow personal mobility devices (PMDs) to share footpaths and bike paths with walkers, cyclists, joggers, those using mobility wheelchairs and the seeing impaired would make for congested and well-worn thoroughfares.“Knowing there will be more use of the footpaths and bike paths would make it the perfect time for both councils to address current gaps in the network and review any outdated path policies. “It would be great to have council websites allow people to directly raise concerns about the footpath and walkway issues they face, especially in light of the new users.“It is vital to get this right and deliver infrastructure, now and in the future, to support and encourage our active community whether they want to walk, cycle, use personal mobility devices or legally ride on e-scooters to navigate in and around the town.”PMDs will be legal to use in South Australia from Sunday 13 July.   

A driver has been charged with multiple traffic offences, including failing to stop for police, following investigations into a three-car crash at Middleton last month.A white Holden Commodore sedan was detected travelling at the extreme speed of 146 km/h in a 60 km/h zone at Port Elliot Road, Middleton at 9pm on Wednesday 11 June.Another patrol then picked up the vehicle in Goolwa as it did a u-turn and the patrol activated its lights and sirens, however the driver refused to pull over.  The pursuit was terminated as the Commodore entered the 100 km/h zone on the Port Elliot Road, heading back towards Middleton.A couple of minutes later, police located a three-car crash at the intersection of Port Elliot Road and Boettcher Road, Middleton and requested emergency services.A 41-year-old man, who was the alleged driver of the Commodore, sustained serious injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital.One of the other drivers, a 65-year-old Goolwa South woman, sustained serious injuries when her Land Rover rolled and was taken to hospital for treatment. The third driver, a 35-year-old Goolwa North man, whose vehicle was clipped, was not injured.The injured drivers have since been released from hospital.Yesterday, Tuesday 1 July, police arrested the 41-year-old Encounter Bay man, and charged him with drive disqualified, extreme speed, fail to stop for police, dangerous driving to escape police, cause harm by dangerous driving, misuse of a motor vehicle, drink and drug driving.He was bailed to appear in the Victor Harbor Magistrates Court on 1 September.

It may be winter but there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer across the Fleurieu these July school holidays, as well as indoor events in the toasty warm.Kids of all ages can get involved in active, outdoorsy fun designed to get them exploring, connecting and having a great time during their break.They include Fleurieu Coast scavenger hunts, Second Valley and Rapid Bay geology exploration, hiking the Heysen Trail and mountain biking in Myponga – with added pizza!All gear is provided and some activities even include lunch. Register for programs online. Indoor fun includes science craft activities in the Yankalilla library, cardboard box creativity at Mount Compass community centre, microplastic recycling at Goolwa and Strathalbyn libraries and paper craft at Victor Harbor library.Milang will host a fishing competition, followed by a barbecue and the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre will have two inflatable runs and a pool party.These are just a few of the fabulous free and low cost indoor and outdoor activities on offer in the Fleurieu school holiday program, which will also feature art, music and cooking.Find the full program, with details of how to book, online. 

Alexandrina Council is calling on riders who use the dirt jumps tracks at Mount Compass and Goolwa to provide their feedback on upcoming maintenance works to the popular recreation facilities.Weather permitting, the maintenance work is scheduled to start in July with council staff and their contracted trail builder, Next Level Mountain Bike, holding two drop-in information sessions at the tracks during the school holidays on Monday 7 July.“The dirt jumps tracks at the Goolwa Recreation Park and Mount Compass Recreation Park are extremely popular with our young people but weather, time and constant use means the time has come for some maintenance and minor revisions to improve the tracks and make them safer,” Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes says.“We allocated $70,000 in our current budget for these works. We’ve had a professional trail builder do an assessment and come up with proposals for maintenance.“The contractor has suggested a range of minor improvements at each site that focus on enhancing the rider experience, creating a sustainable and maintainable jumps line, reducing rider risk and improving safety.“We’d encourage riders to come along to our information drop-in sessions, view our proposed concept designs and make some suggestions.“If you cannot make the sessions, head to our My Say website to see the concept designs and submit suggestions.“Please keep in mind that Council must remain in budget and we need to consider acceptable risk standards, the need to provide an inclusive rider experience and that the track is sustainably constructed.“Depending on the weather, we expect the works to start in Goolwa during July which is expected to take around three weeks to complete and then moving to Mount Compass and taking about seven weeks to complete.”Goolwa Dirt Jump Facility Renewal Drop-in Session• WHEN: Drop in any time between 10am – 12pm, Monday 7 July• WHERE: Goolwa Recreation Park, Glendale GroveMount Compass Dirt Jump Facility Renewal Drop-in Session• WHEN: Drop in any time between 1.30pm – 3.30 pm, Monday 7 July• WHERE: Mount Compass Recreation Park, Ekers CourtThe online survey closes at 3pm on Friday 11 July.Goolwa dirt jump track

Farmers across the Hills and Fleurieu region will soon benefit from additional targeted rabbit control efforts, thanks to a $760K investment from the state government’s Drought Support Package.Wild rabbits wreak havoc on crops, pastures, and native vegetation, leading to an estimated $197 million in agricultural losses annually. Their burrowing activity causes soil erosion, land degradation and infrastructure damage, further impacting productivity. Due to drought and limited feed availability, rabbit breeding has slowed, making now a prime time to act.To support primary producers in managing feral rabbits, the Department for Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is leading an initiative in partnership with regional landscape boards, the National Rabbit Coordinator, and the Foundation for Rabbit Free Australia.Eligible farmers in the Hills and Fleurieu region will have access to a range of control tools, including:• Free warren ripping.• Free 1080 oat bait (for properties larger than five hectares).PIRSA and Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu want to hear from farmers about their experiences with feral rabbits at a series of free regional barbecues in July at Parawa, Strathalbyn and Mount Torrens. At these barbecues PIRSA will outline the eligibility criteria to access support and will answer questions about the program.• Parawa –Thursday 17 July - 6pm• Strathalbyn – Tuesday 22 July - 6pm• Mount Torrens – Wednesday 23 July - 6pmThis program is part of the broader $73 million State Government drought assistance package, to equip farmers with resources to combat the environmental and financial challenges caused by ongoing dry conditions.PIRSA and Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu are encouraging eligible farmers to take advantage of these measures to mitigate rabbit populations as they rebound following winter rains.Bookings are essential for catering purposes and can be made online. 

Strathalbyn is the only Fleurieu town to make the top ten of the 2025 South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year, voted by the public. The top 10 list – from 96 nominated towns – recognises South Australian communities that showcase farming innovation, community resilience, sustainability and contributions to both the local and state-wide agricultural sectors. The top ten nominated towns are:BordertownCumminsJamestownKeithKimbaLamerooMount PleasantOrrorooPort MacDonnellStrathalbynThe top 10 towns will provide a written submission to an independent judging panel, which will assess their contribution to agriculture, community strength, and regional leadership. From this group, three finalists will be selected for town visits before the ultimate winner is crowned later in the year. The towns are judged on criteria including:Agricultural innovation — adoption of new technologies, climate-smart farming, productivity gains.Economic impact — strengthening local economies, job creation, added value industries.Community engagement — participation in local ag events, volunteerism, youth development.Sustainability — environmental stewardship, water and land management, biosecurity initiatives.Agricultural education and leadership —school and community education and leadership programs.The Ag Town of the Year prize includes a sign for the town entrance recognising its achievements, a community celebration event, a trophy, and extensive media exposure showcasing the town’s contribution to the state.Nine Fleurieu towns and two on Kangaroo Island were among the 96 nominated for the 2025 award. The public vote closed on 20 June. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says she is privileged to be able to travel across the state to see regional towns and communities that contribute so much to the state. “Despite the current drought impacting many regional towns, it is inspiring to see these communities stepping up and embracing innovation in primary industries, while fostering meaningful connections within their communities. “This year’s top 10 nominees reflect the breadth of agricultural excellence across South Australia - from pioneering farmers to forward-thinking local councils and agricultural champions. “This award isn’t just about production - it’s about people. We’re celebrating the communities that are truly living the values of partnership, resilience and innovation and showing why South Australia is a global leader in primary industries.To view the list of towns and for more information on the awards, visit the website. 

At around 10.50am today, Monday 30 June, CFS volunteer firefighters responded to a shed fire at Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula.Fifteen CFS firefighters with 3 trucks worked alongside the Metropolitan Fire Service, SA Police, SA Ambulance Service, and SA Power Networks in a coordinated effort to extinguish the fire in a 12 by 17 metre shed.Crews will remain on scene for some time as they work to gain access to the shed. They are using thermal imaging cameras to check for hot spots and extinguish any smouldering areas.Unfortunately, the shed was destroyed and the contents, including 2 cars, a caravan, a boat, and a horse float, were lost.Damage has been estimated at $800,000, and Fire Investigators have been called to the scene.2025-06-30

More than $1 million in Coast Protection Board grants are available to councils and community groups to help coastal and marine environment and address climate change.With the clock ticking until the closing date of 1 August, applications for the 2025-26 Coast Protection Grants and the Community Participation Grants are encouraged.Coast Protection Grants - where up to $1 million is available - will assist coastal councils undertaking projects that address coastal hazard risks or repair damage caused by coastal hazards.Projects addressing risks such as erosion or flooding, including foreshore protection, dune rehabilitation and coastal maintenance will be favoured.Previous projects that have received grants include the construction of seawalls and levees, cliff stability studies and works, repair to storm-damaged protection structures, beach replenishment for coastal protection purposes and coastal hazard risk assessment and adaptation planning.Meanwhile, the Community Participation Grants Program, which provide another $40,000, will support local and small-scale coastal management initiatives.The Community Participation Grants will involve or educate communities on coastal management, enhance community skills and knowledge when it comes to the rehabilitation, restoration or conservation of the coast and marine environment, facilitate partnerships in coast and marine management, encourage environmental protection and manage or create ways to deal with the degradation of the coast or marine environment.Past recipients of The Community Participants Grants include projects that improved coastal access, carried out weed control, restored dunes and engaged the community.Coast Protection Board Presiding Member Paul Caica says the draft of grants are extremely important to bolster councils’ efforts as they tackle coastal issues and management."The Coast Protection Board knows firsthand that we have a community of councils, groups and individuals who care deeply about their local coastline and marine environment.“We encourage anyone with an interest to apply for a grant.“We look forward to receiving more applications and helping these projects materialise or grow.“At 5000km long, South Australia’s coastline is impressive. Let’s keep it that way by using funds to manage and protect it for future generations.”There were nine councils that benefited from the 2024- 2025 Coast Protection Grants while community groups from five local council areas were awarded Community Participation Grants in 2024- 2025.Applications for the current round of grants will close 1 August 2025. Potential applicants can apply via Smarty Grants or visit Department for Environmentand Water - Grants for more information.

Police are seeking information from the public after a building site in McLaren Vale was broken into and electrical cable was stolen.About 1.30 pm Thursday 26 June two unknown men have entered the site at Strout Road and McMurtrie Road.The suspects have cut up and stolen a large quantity of electrical cable from the site before leaving in a silver Volkswagen sedan.Police are investigating the incident. You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online or free call 1800 333 000Reference 25-89M

City of Onkaparinga will begin repair works on the storm-damaged Port Noarlunga Jetty early this week, with the aim of reopening it to the public as soon as possible.The jetty sustained significant damage during recent storm events, prompting an immediate closure to ensure public safety.The council says an engineering assessment has since confirmed the need to replace several structural elements, including girders, cross beams, decking and kickboards.To minimise delays, it fast-tracked procurement of the necessary hardwood materials, which have a lead time of approximately four weeks.It also engaged a specialist marine contractor to confirm availability and work through construction methodology, given the risks associated with marine infrastructure repairs.The council is aiming for completion of priority works by the end of August, weather permitting.Built in 1921, the Port Noarlunga jetty is a state government asset leased to the council.Under the lease agreement, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport covers the cost of major storm repairs, with the council contributing the first $18,000.Additional repairs identified in the engineering report will be scoped as part of the council’s 2025–26 Project and Capital Works program.These include repair of several jetty pylons – a project already in early planning stages before the recent storms.The council says this future work is currently being designed for delivery in early 2026, outside the peak summer period, to minimise disruption.

As we head into the new week, motorists are reminded that mobile speed cameras will be active across the Fleurieu Peninsula and throughout South Australia tomorrow, Monday June 30.Police continue to monitor key roads as part of ongoing efforts to reduce speeding and keep all road users safe. With many locals and visitors travelling throughout the region and into the city, drivers are urged to stay vigilant, follow speed limits, and drive with care.A full list of mobile speed camera locations for tomorrow has been released. Remember — safe driving helps protect everyone on our roads.ALDERSHOT RD, LONSDALEALDINGA BEACH RD, ALDINGA BEACHBALOO ST, INGLE FARMBEOVICH RD, INGLE FARMBLACKS RD, GILLES PLAINSBRIAR RD, FELIXSTOWDYSON RD, CHRISTIES BEACHELIZABETH RD, MORPHETT VALEFREMANTLE RD, PORT NOARLUNGA SOUTHGAGE ST, FIRLEGORGE RD, ATHELSTONEGRAND JUNCTION RD, HOPE VALLEYGRAVES ST, NEWTONGRIFFITHS DR, MOANAGULF PDE, MASLIN BEACHHILLIER RD, MORPHETT VALEMAIN SOUTH RD, MORPHETT VALEMAIN SOUTH RD, OLD NOARLUNGAMCLAREN FLAT RD, KANGARILLAMORROW RD, LONSDALENORTH EAST RD, ST AGNESNORTH EAST RD, MODBURYSHERRIFFS RD, MORPHETT VALESTRADBROKE RD, ATHELSTONEWANDANA AVE, GILLES PLAINS

Farming with a difference: inspiring sustainability through educationWords Tahney Fosdike - Thanks to Coast Lines magazineEmma Gilbert runs The Farm Clarendon - a successful commercial poultry hatchery – and is a finalist for the SA Rural Women’s Award 2025. She recalls getting the keys for what was then a rundown old farmhouse on a 40°C day.“It’s a special memory that I won’t ever forget—I didn’t know how incredible a journey this farm would take me on from that moment on,” she says. “It’s really inspiring to look back almost six years from when we started to how it’s grown and what we’ve developed and built from scratch.”Emma credits span agriculture, education, and sustainability and her achievements don’t stop with The Farm; she has also developed an innovative app, IncubatePro, and leads other entrepreneurial initiatives inspired by her love for regional life.Living in the country isn’t a novelty for Emma, who was raised in Victor Harbor and lived in the southeast for a short time, with some of her upbringing spent on a vineyard. She met her partner, Ryan French, through mutual friends in their rural hometown of Victor Harbor. “I was 19, and I haven’t looked back since. He’s come on every journey and crazy idea I throw at him. I’m a very left-brained creative person. He’s a very type A perfectionist,” she says. The couple has been together for 13 years.Emma says that while she was always interested in animals, she didn’t achieve the scores needed to train as a vet. She has a background in marketing, while Ryan has worked for the Metropolitan Fire Service. Her passion for animals and agriculture has always remained strong—leading to the purchase of their dream eight-hectare property in Clarendon in their early 20s.“We couldn’t have pictured a better spot. It has the best of both worlds for us,” she says, speaking about the property’s position between Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula. “We’re chalk and cheese, but work very well together. It’s good to keep each other on our toes. Now, we’re just creating this empire of hairy cows and crazy chickens.” The pair began the mammoth renovation and infrastructure project while still in full-time jobs. They later transitioned to focus solely on their sustainable farming and heritage livestock business, all while starting a family—a journey that has had its challenges.“We wake up, start our day, do the rounds, make sure all the animals are fed, collect eggs, check, pack, and send orders,” she says of their daily lives. “I can be going to schools teaching workshops or educational sessions around IncubatePro, or run a Cuddle a Cow session. It varies depending on the weather, bookings, season and orders coming through the door.” “Farming is not easy,” Emma says. “There’s storm damage, livestock loss and rapid business growth. When you’re a small operation, like us, it’s also tricky to make sure everyone–including our customers–is happy.”Their farming venture isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s underpinned by a passion to care for and preserve the land and its ecosystems.“We are the next generation of doers, thinkers, and caretakers of this land,” Emma says.The couple focuses on poultry breeding and produce, selling 80 varieties of heritage chickens and ducks and hatching tens of thousands of eggs annually, while also finding ways to share their passion with the community.This includes developing IncubatePro, a tool Emma created, while still working full-time, to manage hatchlings amidst her busy schedule. “It was designed to help anyone hatch anything from an egg,” she says, explaining that the app tracks and monitors poultry egg hatchings, guides users through the embryo development process and teaches them about farming and sustainability.IncubatePro has been rolled out as an educational tool, with over 100 students across multiple schools in Australia using the app. But the impact has been far-reaching, with users in the United States using it to hatch reptiles.“It’s bizarre to think my app is helping alligators hatch,” Emma laughs.Her agricultural digital innovation also extends to social media—with over 30,000 people following The Farm Clarendon’s Instagram page.“It’s our point of difference,” she says. “Without social media, we wouldn’t have a business. Many farmers are scared to use it; they don’t understand it or are not confident. All I can say to new businesses, whether in agriculture or not, is to embrace social media in a way you feel comfortable with.”“Don’t just follow the trends. Create your own style, which is what we’ve done on The Farm. No one’s done what we’ve done before.“Just be authentic.”For Emma, doing agricultural life a little differently also extends into the offline: the business is known for its rainbow eggs and brightly coloured flowers, and Emma spends time consulting at schools and teaching students about chicken care, as well as hosting workshops and demonstrations on the farm. There’s also the beloved ‘Cuddle a Cow’ experience—a community-oriented hour-long session for up to six people to get up close and personal with Highland cattle and get a taste of the mental health benefits of rural life.Emma’s love for agricultural education and advocacy for eco-friendly farming practices led to her becoming a finalist in the SA Rural Women’s Award, alongside three other inspiring South Australian women: Marie Ellul (Adelaide), Annabelle Homer (Clare Valley) and Kelly Johnson (Murraylands).“It’s a privilege and honour to be selected as a finalist,” Emma says. “The women who are part of it are incredible humans. The alumni will also be a great asset in my network to bounce ideas off. I’m excited to be part of it. Even though I’m not a winner, there’s exciting opportunities that will come from it.”The award has encouraged her to continue to leverage her work and inspire more people to embrace agriculture, including the expansion of IncubatePro. “I really want to bring more advanced features like bloodline tracking and fertility tracking on a commercial and breeder scale,” she says.Anyone interested in having their own food source can download the app, Emma says, also suggesting they can start a veggie patch. “You don’t need a lot of space to be more self-sufficient.” She says that she and Ryan want to help everyone, even those who don't plan to live on a farm, to live more environmentally conscious lives. Beyond practicalities, Emma believes grit and determination are essential for entering agriculture and living more sustainably—two qualities she credits for achieving what she has at The Farm.“We’re not tenth-generation chicken farmers,” she says. “There’s no blueprint for what we’re doing—we’re really reinventing the wheel.”She hopes that through these ventures and values, she can inspire others to also connect with the land, embrace its opportunities and live more sustainable lives.

Nunga Screen will kick off NAIDOC celebrations in Alexandrina at Centenary Hall on Thursday 3 July.It celebrates First Nations’ culture, stories and language through film; sharing stories of history, healing, belonging, community and connection to Country.The program features short films from First Nations filmmakers, including Ngarrindjeri man Josh Trevorrow’s Kumarangk – The Hindmarsh Island Bridge.Family friendly films will screen from 7pm to 7.45pm, with general viewing from 8pm to 9pm.Nunga Screen is free to attend and no booking is required. View the full program online.NAIDOC celebrations will conclude with a family fun day at Ratalang on Sunday 13 July from 10am to 2pm.The free event at Basham's Beach Conservation Park, in Port Elliot, will include music, kids activities, weaving, a smoking ceremony and food.This year’s NAIDOC theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy; celebrating the achievements of the past and the bright future ahead. Find out more about NAIDOC on the website. 

Final master plans for the Cape Jervis and Penneshaw harbour precincts have been released, with a vision to deliver local benefits while meeting region-wide needs according to the state government.It says the master plans have been informed by extensive engagement with the community and key stakeholders, along with technical analysis, to help guide decisions and ensure both harbour precincts are well prepared for the future.Port upgrades for Cape Jervis and Penneshaw are currently underway to increase the facilities’ lifespan, support continued ferry services between Kangaroo Island and the mainland, and to accommodate Sealink’s new ferries. The port upgrades will also allow for future freight growth.Two options have been developed for the Cape Jervis master plan, capable of being delivered over multiple stages. The Cape Jervis master plan also incorporates key recommendations from a more detailed Cape Jervis parking and traffic study.Elements of the Cape Jervis master plan include a new link road with Main South Road, improved long-term car and truck parking, and a larger boat ramp with multiple launch lanes and pontoons to accommodate recreational and commercial boaters.Proposed public realm improvements aim to entice visitors beyond the ferry terminal to lookouts, new cultural spaces, the Heysen Trail and harbour attractions, with new and upgraded paths and loop trails, and a comfortable pedestrian arrival plaza near the ferry terminal.Cultural reflection and sharing spaces will reflect the important and active Ngarrindjeri culture and values of the Cape Jervis area.Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis says Cape Jervis and Penneshaw harbours are important places for locals and visitors and play significant roles in South Australia's tourism and agriculture industries. “They play key roles in moving goods and people on and off Kangaroo Island."We recognise the importance of ensuring the actions in the Cape Jervis and Penneshaw master plans are well-suited to each harbour precinct and reflect the community and the region’s priorities, while meeting the needs of the diverse range of people who use these areas."Engagement with stakeholders and the community was a key aspect of the planning process to inform the master plans. It allowed us to gather valuable local insights that helped refine and improve various elements of the draft plans."Through the master planning process, we committed to finding a viable replacement for the Cape Jervis jetty that was removed as part of the port upgrade."We’re now exploring options to deliver a new fishing platform that will provide anglers with a similar fishing experience to the previous jetty."The actions in these master plans will ensure both precincts best serve locals and visitors well into the future."The Penneshaw master plan includes improvements such as an upgraded heavy vehicle marshalling area, intersection safety and car park upgrades, and a redesign of the coach parking area.It also includes improved pedestrian access and a new footpath to the jetty, safety improvements to reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, and enhancements to public spaces.Also included is a Penneshaw ‘infinity walking loop’, providing a walking route around Penneshaw town centre, connecting to local points of interest and minimising interaction with ferry traffic.The master plans will be used to inform future funding considerations and opportunities for these projects to be delivered.To view the master plans, please visit the DIT website.

South Coast Chamber Orchestra will hold a charity concert at the Victor Harbor Lutheran Church this Sunday 29 June.It will run from 2.30pm to 3.30pm with the theme ‘Our Favourites'; funds raised go to support the Encounter Community Centre.The community string orchestra is based in Mount Compass and has been performing across the Fleurieu for more than 30 years.Tickets at the door cost $10 for adults, $7.50 concession, with children 12 and under free.Find out more about South Coast Chamber Orchestra on its website.

There are more than 22,000 legitimate dams in the Mount Lofty Ranges, but high-resolution aerial imagery has identified around 400 new dams that have been illegally constructed in the last 10 years, and around 300 existing dams that have been illegally enlarged.As a result, the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board is increasing efforts to educate land managers about their water management responsibilities, and working to remove illegal dams so water can get to legitimate users.General Manager Michael Garrod says this is of particular concern given there has been a moratorium on building new dams in the area since 2013.“Water catchments in the Mount Lofty Ranges were under stress even before the current drought, and this illegal water storage will worsen the situation. These new dams will reduce water availability for legitimate water users, including rural landholders, industries, primary producers, and the environment,” he says.“Capturing water in an illegal dam amounts to water theft. When more dams are built or enlarged, less water flows downstream, and that can leave legitimate water users struggling to meet their domestic and primary production needs.“It also means that vulnerable aquatic ecosystems are robbed of the water they need to survive. We could see the local extinction of many threatened species, like the southern pygmy perch and the mountain galaxias, if they don’t receive the water they need.“With climate change resulting in the region facing drier and more variable conditions, fair and responsible water management is more important than ever. All land managers planning work in a watercourse or on a dam should be obtaining development approval or a water affecting activity permit.“This system exists to ensure fair distribution of available water and protect the environment,” Mr Garrod says.Compliance officers are reviewing dams across the Adelaide Hills and southern Fleurieu to identify those built or enlarged without approval. While several hundred illegal dams have been identified, some are linked to single landholders who have built multiple dams. Mr Garrod says  overall, most landholders are doing the right thing.“Given the seriousness of the issue, the state government has provided additional funding to support our increased education and compliance efforts.“We want to work with land managers to ensure they have the right information and advice to meet their legal responsibilities. Encouragingly, most landholders contacted by our compliance team so far are taking the necessary steps to address any issues.“If a dam has been built or enlarged without authorisation, or if there’s uncertainty about whether it is compliant, we encourage land managers to discuss the matter with us. We’ll work together to achieve the best outcome for everybody.”Where a landholder refuses to voluntarily rectify an illegal activity they can be compelled to act, and risk penalties if they do not.“To strengthen our monitoring, we’re also developing an automated satellite imagery ‘change detection system’, which will allow us to quickly identify new and enlarged dams,” Mr Garrod says.For more information visit the Landscape SA website.

Finniss MP David Basham has paid tribute to the dairy industry, globally and locally, while celebrating World Milk Day. A former dairy farmer, Mr Basham praised the dairy industry for its vital role in agriculture, diet, technology and in advancing the economy of rural communities worldwide during a motion to the House of Assembly in Parliament last week. “Dairy is the third largest rural industry in Australia. It produces 8.376 billion litres, worth about $6.2 billion. There are just under 4,000 dairy farmers nationally, 1.3 million cows and the industry across the country employs over 31,000 people.” Mr Basham also highlighted the export power of Australia’s dairy industry with over 257,000 tonnes of dairy products going to China and Japan each year, and South Australia contributing a significant amount of that.  “We have a wonderful dairy industry here and bat above our weight in cow production. In South Australia, we have gone from just under 3,200 litres per cow per year to what is now the highest in the country of nearly 7,400 litres per cow annually. South Australia has very much taken the lead in being able to get efficiency from cows and turning feed into large volumes of milk.”  Mr Basham said technological advancements have had a particular impact on the local industry where dairy farmers can now collect huge amounts of data to monitor and manage milk yields and assess the health of their cows. “I think one of the most exciting things that we are seeing in the industry is the adoption of robotics into dairy farming. I had the privilege of recently opening a new robotic dairy in Mount Compass, owned by the Jacobs and Hicks families. Many other farms in South Australia, and throughout the world, are heading in this direction.” Several members spoke to the World Milk Day motion in State Parliament, including Treasurer, the Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP who thanked Mr Basham for bringing the motion to the House of Assembly and for his ongoing strong support of the dairy industry. “I want to put on record my personal thanks, as well as the government’s appreciation for the advocacy and the effort that the member for Finniss has put in to raise the government’s attention to dairy farmers issues.”     

May’s destructive storms wreaked havoc across the region and District Council of Yankalilla has counted the toll on jetties and other coastal infrastructure along the Fleurieu Coast.Very high tides, strong winds and heavy surf impacted jetties, causeways and beach stairs at  Normanville, Carrickalinga, Second Valley, Rapid Bay, Myponga Beach and Cape Jervis. In conjunction with Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) the council has been assess the damage, make safe through interim measures, begin the clean-up and plan for the repairs needed to safely restore access.Normanville jetty will stay closed while qualified engineers make a detailed inspection and report to council exactly what repairs are required.There was also damage to the walkway to the jetty and the boat ramp and the beach stairs at Normanville are also closed, awaiting a full engineering assessment.Normanville pontoon’s ladder was damaged, but its  structural integrity is fine. It will be stored over winter while the council explores options for sponsorship or support to bring it back for future summers. DIT will repair the state heritage-listed causeway at Second Valley, which will include specialised stonework.Temporary repairs have already been completed to the Second Valley jetty, but a detailed engineering inspection is required to check for any further issues.Severe damage has closed the beach stairs at Myponga Beach and the council is reviewing whether they can be repaired or if they will need to be replaced. Diving, swimming and boating are now prohibited around the entire structure of the old Rapid Bay jetty after inspection revealed major safety risks.The exclusion zone has been expanded to cover beneath the jetty and 20 metres on either side and at both ends.DIT will begin maintenance works on the new Rapid Bay Jetty on Tuesday 1 July. The work aims to improve the jetty’s structural integrity and lifespan and will continue until mid-September, with some weekday closures required for safety. For more information visit the DIT website. Severe flooding damaged the Rapid Bay campground with some fencing needing repairs as well as damage to the access road. For more information about coastal damage and remediation across the District Council of Yankalilla, visit the council website.