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Storms reveal asbestos in Aldinga
Storms reveal asbestos in Aldinga

19 June 2025, 8:36 PM

Asbestos contamination has been added to the list of the late autumn storm damage dealt with by City of Onkaparinga, with exposed sheets found at Aldinga Beach.In a statement the council says the storm surge in late May exposed asbestos sheets at a known contaminated site in the coastal reserve at Aldinga Beach, which are believed to be from beach shacks demolished and illegally dumped in the 1960s and 70s.“The asbestos was found by council staff as part of our post-severe weather coastal inspections and our licenced asbestos assessor and removalist contractor attended the site to make the area safe. “Their air monitoring didn’t reveal any airborne fibres. The asbestos was transported and disposed of by our contractor in accordance with EPA requirements on 29 May. “Our contractor also visited this site in February this year, in May 2024 and in January 2023 to remove pieces of asbestos.“There was no risk to the public.“The area where the asbestos was found is within a known contaminated site, registered in our Contaminated Land Register.”The council says it’s not unusual for severe weather events to cause erosion and expose materials asbestos containing that were previously dumped and buried many years ago.There are 11 similar sites across the city – including in Port Willunga, Sellicks Beach and Port Noarlunga, which the council manages with regular inspections from qualified remediation specialists. Asbestos or hazardous materials found in public areas should be reported to the council on 8384 0666.

Winter warning as heaters spark spate of fires
Winter warning as heaters spark spate of fires

19 June 2025, 3:08 AM

An increase in heater-related fires has sparked a warning from authorities for residents to check their winter appliances and use them safely around the home.  The MFS has attended 11 incidents across the state this year, resulting in around $1.1 million of damage – compared to eight fires linked to electric or gas heaters, combustion heaters and fireplaces at the same time last year. In 2024, MFS and CFS crews attended a total 47 related blazes – an increase of more than 50 per cent on the previous year, with 31 incidents recorded.  In the past month, firefighters have responded to house fires in Woodville South (combustion heater spreading to the roof), Happy Valley (outdoor heater under a pergola) and Morphett Vale (combustibles near heater) – each causing significant damage to the properties and putting lives at risk.  Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island residents are urged to have their combustion heaters, flues and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year – timed for the start of the cold weather – to keep them in good working order and avoid embers sparking a fire. Other heater safety tips include:Keeping combustible items like clothes, bedding, furniture and curtains well clear of heaters – ideally a minimum of two metres.If clothes need to be dried inside, using a clothes airer in a room with no heater but a good air flow.Ensuring any heating equipment is installed by a qualified tradesperson and regularly maintained.Following the manufacturer’s instructions.Checking for signs of wear and tear before use and replacing as needed.Fatal house fires are more common during sleeping hours of the cooler months, June to August – highlighting the need for all households to prepare this winter. A working smoke alarm is crucial for giving early warnings of fire, providing the time needed to safely evacuate from the property.Fire-related deaths often result from smoke inhalation and toxic fire gases rather than direct contact with flames and heat. MFS Chief Officer Jeff Swann says an uncontrolled fire has the potential to engulf a room within three to four minutes, creating thick, toxic smoke. “As firefighters, it is our duty to serve and protect the South Australian public from the effects of fire – part of that is to actively educate the community in prevention and awareness.“Installing working smoke alarms throughout your home offers early warning of a fire, providing the best opportunity to keep yourself and your family safe.”  

Fleurieu Aquatic Centre pools to close for maintenance
Fleurieu Aquatic Centre pools to close for maintenance

18 June 2025, 8:53 PM

The Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre celebrates its eighth anniversary this year and is about to start a milestone maintenance project to ensure its long-term future.Jointly owned by Alexandrina Council and the City of Victor Harbor and managed by YMCA South Australia, the Aquatic Centre features a 25-metre lap pool, multi-use hydrotherapy pool, program pool, outdoor splash park, crèche, fitness facilities, and kiosk.In a joint statement the councils say after nearly a decade of continuous operation, the pools are due for an important ‘health check’ and upkeep to optimise operations and to ensure the long-term viability of the assets.Starting on 30 June there will be a staggered closure of the three pools to replace the epoxy coatings and filter media and inspections and maintenance will be done on the expansion joints.The councils and the YMCA plan to start the maintenance project by closing the hydrotherapy pool, then the children’s program pool, and finishing with the 25-metre lap swimming pool.“The pools will be closed sequentially to minimise the disruption to users, water will be transferred from one pool to another where possible to conserve water, and the aim is to have the children’s program pool available for the July and October school holidays,” says City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins.Work on each pool is expected to take four weeks to complete, barring any unforeseen issues, with the project expected to be completed by October. Weather, humidity and the ability to dry out the pool areas may affect the timing of works.Throughout the rolling shutdown, the YMCA will relocate classes and programs to available pools wherever possible. Membership suspension options will be available during the works.Late in 2025, once all the maintenance work is done, Alexandrina Council, the City of Victor Harbor and YMCA South Australia will host a reopening event to celebrate the completion of the project and the facility’s eighth birthday.The event will also highlight some planned purchases of new equipment for the Centre, including new gym gear, and a mobile lifter to improve accessibility to all pools.Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes says the Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre is much-loved and well-used by the Alexandrina and Fleurieu communities. “The health and wellbeing benefits to our community are outstanding the facility is a key attraction for visitors to our region, especially families. “We are excited to embark on this important maintenance project to ensure the longevity of these important assets, and we look forward to celebrating the Centre’s eighth birthday later this year.”The councils say there are more than 183,000 visitors to the Centre every year. The YMCA has over 1,200 members at the facility and provides more than 13,500 swimming lessons annually.For regular updates on the maintenance project, visit the website.

Hay run for Kangaroo Island
Hay run for Kangaroo Island

18 June 2025, 2:34 AM

More than 200 bales of hay will be delivered to drought-impacted farmers on Kangaroo Island this week in a hay drop, made possible through the state government’s Drought Support Package. Charity Rural Aid will deliver more than 150 tonnes of hay to 19 Kangaroo Island farmers over two days today, 18 June and next week, on 25 June.Rural Aid CEO John Warlters says this hay drop represents a significant and much-needed show of support for farmers on Kangaroo Island. “They’ve battled through some of the toughest seasons on record, and this delivery will help ease the burden during a critical time.“It’s a privilege to stand alongside these resilient communities and let them know they’re not forgotten.” The hay run is supported by the state government’s $6 million Drought Donated Fodder Transport Assistance Scheme, which helps charities with their transport costs to deliver donated fodder to farmers who need assistance to feed their livestock. So far, it has funded the transport costs of charities to deliver more than 9,800 tonnes of donated hay to over 1,200 farmers across South Australia. It is actively working with Rural Aid, Need for Feed, Rapid Relief Team, Farmers Relief Agency, and the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association, whose participation provides specific support to dairy farmers across South Australia. Primary producers are encouraged to contact participating organisations directly to understand what types of fodder are available and to register their interest. For more information about drought assistance visit the PIRSA website.   

Winemaking to stop at Hardys Tintara
Winemaking to stop at Hardys Tintara

17 June 2025, 8:53 PM

The historic Hardys Tintara winery in McLaren Vale will stop making wine as parent company Vinarchy transitions operations to the Riverland and the Barossa.Vinarchy announced the change in early June, as part of a long-term growth plan that includes establishing two winemaking hubs in South Australia, with the company’s global corporate headquarters to be located in Adelaide.Winemaking currently undertaken at Hardy’s Tintara winery will move to Rowland Flat for the 2026 and 2027 vintages.Chief Supply Officer Joe Russo says Vinarchy recogises the rich local history in McLaren Vale.“Adopting this twin-hub structure at Berri Estates and Rowland Flat allows us to consolidate our resources and expertise, strengthening the business and ensuring we remain competitive in the face of ongoing challenges in the global wine market.”“While our winemaking will move, our commitment to quality wines, local sourcing and premium cellar door experiences for these brands do not change.“These wines will be made with the same grapes from the same regions, by the same winemakers, just at another winery.”He says Vinarchy recognises these changes may create uncertainty for team members and is committed to supporting its people as changes are implemented progressively over the next 12 months.“We are deeply mindful of the impact these changes may have on our people.“Where roles are affected, we are committed to supporting our teams through redeployment opportunities to other locations in many cases, or, where necessary, redundancy and outplacement support. We will continue to consult closely with our teams over the coming months as we make this transition.”Vinarchy was established earlier this year after the takeover of Accolade Wines by French company Pernod Ricard.

Time to update pet information
Time to update pet information

14 June 2025, 10:05 PM

Fleurieu and KI dog and cat owners are being urged to ensure their pet’s details are up to date in the state-wide register ahead of annual registration renewals.In July renewal notices will be sent to dog and cat owners across the state and, to ensure a renewal notice is received, the Dog and Cat Management Board is calling on pet owners to update or register their information in Dogs and Cats Online this week.In South Australia, all dogs and cats must be desexed, microchipped and registered in Dogs and Cats Online within 14 days of taking ownership if the pet is older than three months.Dog and Cat Management Board Chair David Parkin says it is vital that owners take the time to update details and to register their pets as soon as possible.“If your pet happens to escape, the details on their microchip can be the difference of whether or not they can be returned to you,” he says.“For cats specifically, shelters have reported that 97 per cent of cats can’t be returned because owners have not registered a microchip in Dogs and Cats Online and kept the information up to date.“It is also important to note that, just because your pet is microchipped, it doesn’t automatically mean they are registered in Dogs and Cats Online. Microchip details might be listed on other databases, but in SA it is a requirement for them to be included in Dogs and Cats Online.“We strongly recommend that all pet owners head to Dogs and Cats Online to ensure their pets are registered on the site and that their details are up to date.”Owners will have until August 31 to complete their renewals in Dogs and Cats Online and pay any associated fees, or risk possible late fees.Anyone who needs help to register a dog or cat, contact the local council.The Board’s website has information on the state dog and cat laws, along with tips for potential and current owners.

Workshop helps prepare for extreme weather
Workshop helps prepare for extreme weather

13 June 2025, 2:59 AM

NRMA Insurance and Australian Red Cross will host an EmergencyRediTM Workshop to help Yankalilla residents prepare for extreme weather on Wednesday 18 June at Club Fleurieu.With extreme weather becoming more frequent and severe, Yankalilla residents are encouraged to attend the free workshop to help get prepared.It will provide participants with insights into local weather risks and practical support on how to prepare for an emergency.Research from NRMA Insurance shows a need for greater emergency preparedness as nearly 1 in 4 Australians (23 per cent) do not have a good understanding of extreme weather risks in their local area, and 1 in 3 are not aware of the steps they need to take to prepare for an extreme weather emergency. Additionally, 61 per cent of Australians do not have an emergency plan to help them respond to an extreme weather event.The EmergencyRedi workshops help people learn about local risks and gain useful knowledge and tools to prepare for future emergencies. Attendees build their own award-winning Australian Red Cross emergency RediPlan, which includes key contacts, meeting places, animal plans, key documents, special items, medical information and stress management strategies. The workshop forms part of Help Nation, an initiative created by NRMA Insurance to unite people, communities and organisations across Australia to get prepared and know their local extreme weather risks.The Yankalilla workshop will be held from 2pm to 3.30pm at Club Fleurieu on Main South Road.To register for the Australian Red Cross EmergencyRediTM workshop and learn more about how to get prepared for extreme weather, visit the website.

Onkaparinga officially named a tree city
Onkaparinga officially named a tree city

12 June 2025, 8:30 PM

City of Onkaparinga has been recognised as a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), one of 210 internationally.It becomes one of 11 Australian cities honoured by the title, five of which are in South Australia.The international Tree Cities of the World program recognises cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the liveability and sustainability of their local area. It is jointly operated by FAO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, and the US Arbor Day Foundation and aligns with FAO’s Green Cities initiative, which is designed to strengthen green infrastructure in urban and rural communities. “Tree Cities of the World is more than a recognition program. It’s a rapidly growing global movement, transforming how communities view and value their urban forest,” says Sophie Plitt, program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation. “It goes beyond borders, connecting passionate organisers and tireless tree planters, and uniting them under the shared mission of making our world’s communities healthier places to live.” To earn Tree Cities of the World recognition, a city must uphold five core standards: establish responsibility for the care of trees; enact a law or policy that governs the management of trees and forests; maintain an updated assessment of local tree resources; allocate resources for a tree management plan; and hold an annual celebration of trees to educate local residents. In its newsletter Onkaparinga Now, the City of Onkaparinga says its recent development of a Tree Management Policy to help grow, establish, maintain and protect the hundreds-of-thousands of trees under the council’s care and control helped boost its application for the program. Setting up the One Tree Per Child Onkaparinga community program and tree giveaway events to encourage planting native species on private land also helped.“These initiatives were complemented by the council’s canopy mapping across the city, and achieving 63,000 trees planted towards our target of 100,000 trees in street verges, waterways and parks by 2037.“The council needs to uphold strict standards to maintain its accreditation, and any improvements to the region’s urban forest means Onkaparinga’s people, places and wildlife are better off.“There are a range of benefits to being part of the program on top of the international recognition, including being able to tap into the Tree Cities of the World global network – sharing and adapting best practices for managing urban trees and forests.”Find out more about Tree Cities of the World on the website.

Speed cameras – Friday, June 13
Speed cameras – Friday, June 13

12 June 2025, 11:18 AM

As we head into the weekend, motorists are reminded that mobile speed cameras will be active across the Fleurieu Peninsula and throughout South Australia tomorrow, Friday, June 13.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.Friday, 13 June 2025ADDISON RD, PENNINGTONBAINS RD, MORPHETT VALEBARCELONA RD, NOARLUNGA DOWNSBARTLEY TCE, WEST LAKES SHORECOTTAGE LANE, HACKHAMDAVID WITTON DR, NOARLUNGA CENTREEASTERN PDE, GILLMANFLETCHER RD, BIRKENHEADHARGRAVE ST, BIRKENHEADHILLIER RD, REYNELLAMAIN SOUTH RD, HUNTFIELD HEIGHTSMAIN SOUTH RD, HACKHAMMAIN SOUTH RD, MORPHETT VALEMARLBOROUGH ST, FULHAM GARDENSMCKINNA RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSMILITARY RD, WEST LAKES SHOREO'SULLIVAN BEACH RD, LONSDALEOLD SOUTH RD, OLD REYNELLAPORT RD, QUEENSTOWNRIVER RD, PORT NOARLUNGASAINT VINCENT ST, PORT ADELAIDESOUTHERN EXP, LONSDALETAPLEYS HILL RD, FULHAMVICTORIA RD, PETERHEADVICTORIA RD, LARGS NORTHANZAC RD, PORT PIRIE WESTAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELAUGUSTA HWY, SNOWTOWNAUGUSTA HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKAUGUSTA HWY, REDHILLAUGUSTA HWY, NAPPERBYBARRIER HWY, HALLETTBARRIER HWY, HALLETTBARUNGA GAP RD, SNOWTOWNBAY RD, MOUNT GAMBIERCOCKBURN RD, JAMESTOWNCOCKBURN RD, JAMESTOWNCOMMERCIAL EAST ST, MOUNT GAMBIERDUKES HWY, KI KIDUKES HWY, TAILEM BENDDUKES HWY, YUMALIDUKES HWY, TINTINARADUKES HWY, BORDERTOWNDUKES HWY, COONALPYNDUKES HWY, KEITHFARRELL FLAT RD, CLAREGADD AVE, CRYSTAL BROOKGOYDER HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKGREY TCE, PORT PIRIEHURLSTONE ST, PETERBOROUGHMAIN NORTH RD, CLAREMAIN NORTH RD, CLAREMAIN RD, PORT PIRIEMAIN ST, PETERBOROUGHMARY ELIE ST, PORT PIRIEMOPPETT RD, PORT PIRIE WESTMOUNT GAMBIER RD, MILLICENTNORTH TCE, MOUNT GAMBIERPENOLA RD, MOUNT GAMBIERPICK AVE, MOUNT GAMBIERPIGEON FLAT RD, BORDERTOWNPRINCES HWY, MILLICENTQUEENS AVE, MOUNT GAMBIERRIDDOCH HWY, NARACOORTERIDDOCH HWY, PENOLARIDDOCH HWY, COONAWARRARIDDOCH HWY, NANGWARRYSHEPHERDSON RD, MOUNT GAMBIERSOUTHERN PORTS HWY, BEACHPORTSTURT ST, MOUNT GAMBIERSUTTONTOWN RD, MOUNT GAMBIERWANDEARAH RD, PORT PIRIEWANDEARAH RD, PORT PIRIE SOUTHWEHL ST, MOUNT GAMBIERWILKINS HWY, JAMESTOWN

Call for independent investigation into algal bloom
Call for independent investigation into algal bloom

12 June 2025, 3:09 AM

The state Opposition is calling for an independent investigation into the response to the toxic algal bloom that has been detected in waters across South Australia – following the latest detection in the Coorong’s north lagoon.Since the harmful algal bloom was first detected in March, it has caused the death of marine life across the state – prompting concerns from both locals and ecologists who fear it may become a yearly occurrence if the cause is not investigated and determined.Shadow Minister for Environment and Finniss MP David Basham says this environmental disaster has had a devastating impact on aquaculture industries and coastal towns.“We are calling for an independent review into the response to this disaster so that we determine the exact cause and ensure that we’re doing everything we can to prevent more algal blooms in the years to come,” he says.“Locals, in both my electorate and beyond, have been incredibly frustrated at the lack of information about the health and environmental impact of the algal bloom.“If the Environment Minister is suggesting this won’t be the last time we see an algal bloom like this occur, then we need to do everything we can to learn from this incident and improve the response next time.“The Government has a poor track record of investigating itself and any review must be independent of government departments to ensure the public get the answers they deserve.”Mr Basham has written to Environment Minster Susan Close to formally request the investigation.

High-Speed pursuit ends in crash
High-Speed pursuit ends in crash

11 June 2025, 10:54 PM

Police are investigating a serious crash involving three vehicles overnight, following a high-speed incident where one car allegedly failed to stop for police.At around 9pm on Wednesday, June 11, officers detected a white Holden Commodore sedan travelling at a dangerous speed of 146 km/h in a 60 km/h zone along Port Elliot Road, Middleton.Police patrols later sighted the vehicle in Goolwa, where it performed a u-turn. Officers activated their lights and sirens in an attempt to pull the vehicle over, but the driver refused to stop. The pursuit was called off shortly after, as the Commodore entered a 100 km/h zone on Port Elliot Road, heading back towards Middleton.Just minutes later, emergency services were called to the scene of a three-car collision at the intersection of Port Elliot Road and Boettcher Road.The 41-year-old alleged driver of the Commodore sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital. A 65-year-old woman from Goolwa South, driving a Land Rover that rolled in the crash, also required hospital treatment. Both are reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.The third driver, a 35-year-old man from Goolwa North, was uninjured after his vehicle was clipped during the incident.All vehicles involved were towed from the scene, and the roadway has since been cleared and reopened to traffic.Police investigations are ongoing. Charges are expected to be laid against the driver of the Commodore for multiple driving offences.

New suburb for Onkaparinga
New suburb for Onkaparinga

11 June 2025, 9:05 PM

The future of Port Stanvac is set to take shape with the public release of the site’s Master Plan, outlining a vision for the redevelopment of Adelaide’s southern coastline. The state government says this milestone heralds the next phase in transforming the former oil refinery into a thriving community hub, blending homes, businesses and open spaces while restoring public access to the coast. The development will return the site of the fomer oil refinery to the community and see Port Stanvac redeveloped area for a mix of housing, business and community services.City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were has welcomed the announcement.“The transformation of Port Stanvac is a unique, one-off opportunity to drive new economic, social and environmental benefits to Onkaparinga and the state. “Following years of advocacy from the council, community and local businesses, we’re focused on working with the state government and MAB to ensure Onkaparinga’s wishes are front of mind to deliver a balance of affordable housing, industrial land supply and open space, including access to the stunning coastline.” Around 8,000 people are expected to be able to live in the new Port Stanvac, with an expected economic boost to the local community of $508 million. The release of the Master Plan coincides with the initiation of a new code amendment that will allow planning to proceed on the development site. It seeks to officially unlock the 230-hectare area, allowing for up to 3,600 new residential dwellings, including a mix of apartments, townhouses, aged care, serviced accommodation as well as low density allotments. Approximately 64 hectares of the area will be dedicated to employment uses, including retail and commercial uses within a neighbourhood centre. The development will also unlock 40 hectares of coastline, with plans to preserve sensitive environmental areas. More than 30 per cent of the site is planned to become open space. Reynell MP Katrine Hildyard says the release of this master plan is the start of what will be a significant redevelopment for the southern community. “This proposal opens up one of the most beautiful coastal locations in South Australia. It will be welcomed by O’Sullivan Beach and other nearby residents who have long advocated for access to this stunning beach, as well as for more green space and sporting fields, and housing for their kids and grandkids." Port Stanvac is close to major transport routes with Lonsdale/ Dyson Road and the Seaford train line including the Lonsdale train station, located immediately east of the site.

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