Police are investigating a serious crash at Pelican Lagoon on Kangaroo Island overnight.A passing motorist came across a single vehicle crash on Hog Bay Road, Pelican Lagoon about 4.15am on Thursday 18 April.  The ute had left the road and hit a tree.The driver, a 69-year-old Dudley West man, who was the only occupant of the ute, sustained serious injuries and was taken to the local hospital before being airlifted to the mainland for treatment.Hog Bay Road was reopened to all traffic about 6am.

The District Council of Yankalilla has paid tribute to outgoing Councillor Bill Verwey, who has stepped down for personal reasons.“Throughout his tenure, he has represented Council on numerous committees, demonstrating great commitment to his role and to the community.”Mr Verwey was first elected to the council in a supplementary election for Light Ward February 2020.He was subsequently re-elected in the regular local government election in November 2022.Chief Executive Officer Nathan Cunningham has expressed his appreciation for Mr Verwey’s service.“On behalf of the District Council of Yankalilla, I sincerely thank Cr Verwey for his dedicated service to our community and I personally wish him well in tackling his next challenge.”The vacancy resulting from Cr Verwey’s resignation will trigger a supplementary election in Light Ward, which is the urban ward of the council, covering Yankalilla, Normanville and Carrickalinga. It is usually represented by five councillors and the rural ward, Field ward, is represented by four councillors.The supplementary election for the Light Ward vacancy will be held in July, with enrolment for the voters roll closing at 5pm on Tuesday 30 April.Nominations to run for council open on Thursday 23 May and will be received until 12 noon on Thursday 6 June.A candidate briefing session will be held on a date to be confirmed in late May.The election will be conducted by post, with voting packages sent out through the mail with a reply-paid envelope. to be returned no later than 12 noon on polling day, Monday 22 July.

One of the Clydesdales that pull the horse-drawn tram over the Granite Island causeway has died.The horse, Isabella, was euthanised on Monday 15 April following complications associated with Ross River Virus.Seven of the other eight horses in the Clydesdale team have also tested positive to the virus in the past four months.The popular tourist attraction is run by the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority, a subsidiary of the City of Victor Harbor.Its team of Clydesdales pull the tram that carries passengers across the causeway to Granite Island, usually operating several services every day except Christmas day.In a statement the council says the tram team is devasted at the loss of the much-loved horse.“Ross River Virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is common in many regions across Australia. It can cause similar symptoms in horses as it does humans. “Isabella had tested positive for the virus several weeks ago, initially experiencing a high temperature. Over time, she also suffered loss of appetite and neurological decline. “In line with advice from vets as symptoms worsened, Isabella was transported to Mt Torrens where she was able to receive specialised, intensive veterinary care for the past three weeks. “Unfortunately, a continuing decline in her health and the discovery of colic lead to the difficult veterinary decision to euthanise Isabella and put an end to her pain.”The council says the other horses are improving in condition and expected to make a full recovery.“While recovering from the virus, these horses have not been operating the Horse Tram.”The tram has been operating on a reduced timetable while the horses have been ill and this will continue as they recover. Visit the tramway Facebook page for more information.

Victor Harbor council has begun upgrading three beach access points in Hayborough.They include replacement stairs next to the Investigator Carpark and Alexander Street to ensure safe community access to the shore.The council says the new stairs have been engineered to better withstand erosion, high tides and future storm surges. It advises that beach access points may be temporarily unavailable while works are underway. The council says it expects all work will be complete by June, depending on  tide and wave action. 

Wine grape growers across the state who are experiencing challenges due to the current oversupply of red wine grapes will soon be able to access additional support. The Rural Business Support Relief Fund will assist by providing financial support with immediate grants to those eligible of up to $1,500 to accommodate routine costs. This will be in conjunction with business financial planning. The support aims to alleviate stress for grape growers, who have felt significant impacts owing to market disruption, severe weather events and natural disasters. A further $60,000 in funding is also being provided to Rural Business Support to increase Rural Financial Counselling Services for the wine and viticulture industry. The ethephon vineyard resting trial will also be extended to the next vintage to give growers time to make considered business decisions. By applying this growth regulating chemical, grape growers will be able to potentially save up to $2,000 per hectare in input, water, and management costs. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says the wine industry has been heavily impacted by disrupted market conditions and global over-supply.“I was delighted to see the lifting of the tariffs from China on Australian bottled wine.“The removal of tariffs has been welcomed by our grape-growers and wine industry.“The State Government is also supporting the wine and viticulture industry through a $1.85m re-engagement package that will assist the industry re-position South Australia as a market leader in China.” For more information on support for wine grape growers in South Australia visit the website.    

A man was arrested after being seen loitering at the back of a Christies Beach business yesterday morning.Police were called to a business on Beach Road, Christies Beach about 4.30am on Monday 15 April by reports of a man acting suspiciously around the back of the store.A patrol attended and located the man.  No offences had occurred, but police checks revealed the 49-year-old was wanted for questioning about a break-in at a local charity last month.He was arrested and charged with serious criminal trespass and theft.  He was refused police bail and appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court yesterday.Police encourage the public to report suspicious behaviour at the time on the police assistance line on 131 444 or Triple Zero in an emergency.CO2400013658

Finniss MP David Basham has highlighted the childcare shortfall on the Fleurieu and offered some hope to those affected.In a Facebook post the state Opposition MP says a critical shortage of childcare is consistently raised with him across his electorate.“Childcare providers informed me there is an up to 2-year waitlist for children to attend. “With cost-of-living pressures facing families and local businesses needing workers, this is a severe pain point affecting many in our community.”Mr Basham gave details of four prospective childcare centres, three in Goolwa and one in Chiton.He says construction has started on one in Goolwa, an 80-child capacity facility on Hutchinson Street.Another in Goolwa and the Chiton facility have been granted planning approval, while the third Goolwa centre is under planning assessment.Mr Basham says that this won’t provide an immediate solution for families currently on a waitlist needing childcare but he is pleased there is some hope.“Unfortunately, this complex problem is not unique to our community but is felt in regional areas nationwide… particularly in children within the 0-2 age group. “Many factors contribute to a childcare service shortage, such as staff, location, infrastructure and regulations.”Mr Basham says his office will continue investigating opportunities to improve the situation and urges anyone with concerns to share their stories to help inform decisions. Contact the office by email or phone 8552 2152.

The federal government has committed $17 million for a new project to improve shorebird and wetland habitat across South Australia's Coorong, Lower Lakes, Murray Mouth and South East landscape.Located at the base of the Murray River, the region is home to internationally recognised wetland that supports a diverse range of plants and animals including the endangered Australasian bittern and the vulnerable sharp-tailed sandpiper.The federal and state governments will work together to deliver the project, building on habitat restoration activities already underway in the region.The funding will:Deliver a range of localised infrastructure on wetland and floodplain flats to increase the area and duration of quality shorebird and wetland habitat.Maintain food webs and improve critical breeding habitat for foraging waterbirds and other threatened species.Improve outcomes for waterbirds and strengthen Australia’s commitment to international obligations including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.The South Australian Department for Environment and Water will work closely with relevant community groups, landholders and Landscape Boards to develop a regional approach to habitat restoration targeting smaller wetlands that cumulatively have a large impact and create a connected mosaic of habitats across the region.The integrated project will also work with First Nations groups to connect to Country and meet cultural obligations while ensuring the survival of healthy shorebird populations and vital wetland habitat.Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek says restoring the Murray Mouth, Lower Lakes and Coorong is a critical investment in the health of the whole system.“The Murray-Darling Basin is a vital for our communities, farmers and First Nations groups, and we must also work together to protect and restore wetlands within the Basin.“This new project will ensure the survival of our internationally significant wetlands and the plants and animals who call them home.”

Emergency services attended a crash at Angas Plains on Friday 12 April.A ute and tractor collided at the intersection of Davidson Road and Leslies Road, Angas Plains just after 11am.The ute driver, a 58-year-old Milang man, was airlifted to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.The tractor driver, a 46-year-old Meadows man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to the local hospital for treatment.Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

A drink-driver has been caught with a high blood alcohol reading at Hindmarsh Valley.It will be alleged that about 11.45pm on Sunday 14 April, police stopped a black Porsche sedan on Adelaide Road for a random driver test.The driver, a 24-year-old Encounter Bay man underwent a breath test and returned a positive reading of 0.221.He was reported for drink-driving, issued a 12-month immediate loss of licence notice and his car was impounded for 28 days.He will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

The top 10 regional sites for drivers caught speeding by both fixed and mobile speed cameras has been revealed by RAA – with half of them located in the Adelaide Hills and a third on the Fleurieu Peninsula.According to 2023 SAPOL data, the worst location in regional SA for drivers caught speeding was the fixed camera at Crafers on the South Eastern Freeway, which nabbed 7,012 motorists and cost drivers $3,985,553.In fact, the top four regional fixed cameras were all located on the South Eastern Freeway in the Adelaide Hills – three of them point-to-point cameras.Victor Harbor Road, from Whites Valley to Tatachilla, was the only Fleurieu location in the top ten for fixed cameras, at number seven, recording 344 offences at accost of $187,880.Of the worst mobile camera spots in regional SA, Ironbank Road in Ironbank clocked 772 speeding drivers at a total cost of $407,036. On the Fleurieu Battunga Road, Meadows, came in at seven; Paris Creek Road, Paris Creek, at nine; and North Terrace, Port Elliot at 10.Again, five of the top 10 regional mobile locations were located in the Adelaide Hills, with three on the Fleurieu, prompting an RAA plea for drivers to stick to the speed limit as school holidays begin.Charles Mountain is RAA Senior Manager Safety & Infrastructure. He says exceeding the speed limit by even a small amount increases the risk of a serious crash.“Excessive speed is one of the fatal five causes of road trauma – and contributes to 30 per cent of fatal crashes on our roads,” he says.“The list of regional fixed and mobile speed cameras shows thousands of drivers are either deliberately or inadvertently driving faster than the speed limit in our regions.“Other roads in the Hills may have lower traffic volumes and it may be tempting to creep over the limit – but doing so puts other road users at risk.“Drivers need to be aware that even small increases in speed mean you will travel a longer distance before you can react and bring your vehicle to a stop if something unexpected occurs on the road.”Mr Mountain says approximately 70 per cent of lives lost on SA roads occurred in the state’s regions.“We must remember to drive to the conditions and at a speed that allows us to safely respond to unexpected situations or come to a safe stop if required.“It’s also still important to be vigilant near schools even during the holiday period as some will be offering holiday programs so children may be present, particularly during drop off and pick up times.”Top 10 regional SA fixed speeding cameras – 2023 Location Type Offences Fines (incl. VOC Levy)South Eastern Fwy, Crafers Mid Block 7,012   $3,985,553South Eastern Fwy, Nairne to Callington Point to Point 1,239 $729,008South Eastern Fwy, Callington to Mt Barker Summit Point to Point 799 $462,301South Eastern Fwy, Nairne Point to Point 724   $414,315Port Wakefield Rd, Port Wakefield to Two Wells Point to Point 698 $417,773Port Wakefield Rd, Two Wells to Port Wakefield Point to Point 620   $363,833Victor Harbor Rd, Whites Valley to Tatachilla Point to Point 344   $187,880Dukes Hwy, Coonalpyn to Ki Ki Point to Point 319   $183,714South Eastern Fwy, Callington (west) Mid Block 252   $150,222Dukes Hwy, Ki Ki to Coonalpyn Point to Point 244 $141,316Top 10 regional SA mobile speeding camera locations – 2023 Location Speed Limit Offences Fines (incl. VOC Levy)Ironbank Rd, Ironbank 60 772 $407,036Kersbrook Rd, Kersbrook 80 678 $371,628Onkaparinga Valley Rd, Verdun 50 602   $267,373Sutton Ave, Mount Gambier 50 588 $230,321Alexandrina Rd, Mount Barker 50 496 $208,287Haylock Rd, North Moonta 50 428   $228,912Battunga Rd, Meadows 50 426   $207,083Murray St, Nuriootpa 50 410   $176,151Paris Creek Rd, Paris Creek 80 363 $205,045North Tce, Port Elliot 50 308   $118,569

Encounter Centre will hold a family fun day charity event on Saturday 20 April at its Victor Harbor base.Dubbed Close Encounters of the Artistic Kind, the day will feature exhibitions of local artists’ work; art and craft demonstrations; and art sales.Entertainment includes live music and performers from Circus Elements.Victor Harbor Goolwa Sea Rescue will attend with their new boat, as will Inman Valley CFS and the SES.Shop for Mother’s Day at the market stalls and enjoy sweets and treats from the food trucks and ice cream cart.The Encounter Community Centre is on Armstrong Road and will be open for the family fun day from 9am to 4pm.

The Rotary Club of Goolwa will hold a gargantuan garage sale next Sunday 21 April at Barrage Road in Goolwa South.Bric-a-brac, books, plants, clothes and household goods will be on sale from 9am to 3pm, weather permitting, opposite Bombora Cafe.The club has recently installed a collection box for old usable mobile phones at Goolwa Shopping Centre, secured next to the Rotary Notice Board.A company called DV Safe Phone in Qld reinvents the phones to be safe to donate to women, men and children in domestic violence situations.At the garage sale, EFTPOS will be available and all proceeds raised will go to the Wheelchair Foundation.

Boogie on down while raising funds for homeless people at a dance at Victor Harbor’s Lutheran Church Hall on Saturday 20 April.Mike and the Musos will  provide tunes of the 50s, 60s and beyond from 7pm to 10.30pm.It’s BYO supper and drinks. Tickets are $25; book via Trybooking.Part proceeds will go to Whalers Community Association, which is also holding a quiz fundraiser under the stars at the Coorong café on Hindmarsh Island on Saturday 27 April. Book via Eventbrite.

Thousands of drivers and riders are being caught without appropriate lights, prompting an RAA reminder about road safety as daylight savings ends.Last year SA Police caught 6,078 drivers in the dark without effective headlights – the highest number recorded in the past decade and a 38 per cent increase on the year prior. In 2023 police also caught 4,513 cyclists riding without appropriate lights at night or a rear reflector, sparking an RAA reminder to light up when visibility is low. Failure to do so risks a fine of $382 for drivers and $165 for cyclists. Crash data also shows vulnerable road users can be at higher risk of a crash when days are shorter, with pedestrian casualty crashes jumping by 24 per cent in autumn and winter between 2018-2022.RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says shorter daylight hours make now a great time to have a conversation about road safety with loved ones.“Drivers need to ensure their headlights are in working order and book their car in for a service if they have any concerns.   “A clean windscreen both inside and out can greatly improve vision, as can new windscreen wiper blades.“Motorists should also be extra alert for cyclists and pedestrians using the road, as they may be harder to see from a distance in the darker months. “As always, it’s important to drive at a speed that allows you to stop if required. When there is lower visibility such as at night or during wet conditions, the appropriate speed may be slower than the speed limit.  “Cyclists need to ensure their bike has a red rear reflector on it at all times, and when riding in low visibility such as at night or heavy rain, a working white light on the front of their bike and red light on the back. “Pedestrians should also pay attention whenever they’re crossing the road – use designated crossings when available and don’t assume drivers have seen you.” For more on RAA road safety initiatives visit the website. 

Meet our lovable Pets of the Week. They are looking for their forever homes thanks to the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter. RSPCA are currently running at 50% OFF adoption drive at their Lonsdale shelter until Sunday!Alfie and Paisley are this week’s friendly Pets of the Week. These loving animals are waiting to find their perfect family. If you think that could be you, read more about them below.Dog of the Week – AlfieThis amazing boy is Alfie (AID 187255) and he’s one of many dogs patiently waiting at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter to find a happy home.Alfie is a favourite at the shelter, and for good reason. He’s the sweetest gentleman and a cuddle bug at heart.This young lad loves to nap in the sun and soak up attention from his favourite people.An active boy indeed, Alfie enjoys playing with enrichment toys, running around, and splashing in the water (no wonder he needs a good recharge nap after). This handsome boy does enjoy socialising with other dogs, but he loves attention more, so he’s not keen on sharing his furever home with another fur-resident. Alfie would make the pawfect addition to a loving family. Read more about Alfie and learn how to adopt him.Alfie the gentleman. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Cat of the Week – PaisleyThis gorgeous girl with captivating eyes is Paisley (AID 186425) and she’s currently living at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter while she waits to find her happily ever after.Paisley is a beautiful kitty with a big heart. A young lady, she can be a bit shy around new faces, but with a little patience and a lot of love, she’ll be your furever friend in no time.Paisley is a foodie, so Dine treats are a good way to speed up the ‘getting to know you’ process. She would love to live in a quiet home where she can relax and live her best life.This darling girl is open to sharing her home with another fur-resident, but a slow introduction is required to ensure a smooth transition.  Find out more about Paisley and how to adopt her.Beautiful Paisley. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Visit the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter and add a new companion to your life – you won’t regret it.The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) South Australia is the state’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity.

The April school holidays are here and there are plenty of free and low cost activities on offer for kids of all ages over the next two weeks.Alexandrina, Yankalilla and Victor Harbor councils have again joined together to provide their Fleurieu School Holiday Program.Largely based in the libraries at Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Victor and Yank, the activities offered include laser tag, art and crafts, Dungeons & Dragons, rhymes and stories, theatre shows and pickleball.The full program can be downloaded from the Alexandrina website. City of Onkaparinga also has a library-based school holiday program. For details and bookings visit the council website.There are indoor and outdoor options for families to enjoy across the Fleurieu; here are just a few:GoolwaCastle and Village construction paper craft inn the library for ages 5+; book via Eventbrite. McLaren ValeArt workshops at Red Poles, including jewellery making, mosaics and collage; details and bookings on the website. NormanvilleArchery Attack present a combo of archery and dodgeball at Apex Park on Tuesday 16 April in sessions for ages 9-13, 12-16 and 15+; book via Trybooking.Victor HarborInflatable fun at Muwerang Kent Reserve On Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 April. Free sessions for ages 10-17, accompanied by an adult, from 10am to 4pm. Book online. School holiday Craft - ANZAC Scrunch Art Poppies on Tuesday 24 April at Victor library; book online.

Two Fleurieu live music venues are among 20 to receive grants through the state government See It LIVE Music Activation Fund. A total of $850,000 in grants will be provided to live music venues to support costs associated with the presentation of live music. Goolwa’s Murray Delta Juke Joint and Big Easy Radio in Aldinga Beach were two of the three regional venues to score a boost, along with 13 based in the CBD and four in Adelaide suburbs.Through a new collaboration between the Music Development Office and the Office for Small and Family Business, recipients of the fund will also receive free business advisory services to support the sector’s long-term sustainability. Arts Minister Andrea Michaels says the state government recognises the importance of dedicated live music venues in South Australia.“Our live music venues play a vital role in supporting the careers of emerging artists and contribute significantly to the cultural life of our state - reflected through our designation as a UNESCO City of Music. “The See It LIVE Music Activation Fund brings together two areas of my portfolio, the Music Development Office and the Office of Small and Family Business, to provide targeted funding and business support to ensure a more sustainable future for our venues in the longer term.”The full list of venues to receive grants is as follows:Wheatsheaf Hotel (CBD)  Lion Arts Factory (CBD)Ancient World (CBD)   Unibar ADL (CBD)Grace Emily Hotel (CBD)   Broadcast Bar (CBD)Jive (CBD)   The Gov (Hindmarsh) Semaphore Workers Club (Semaphore)   Arthur (CBD)Rhino Room and Lowlife Bar (CBD)   Woodshed (Royal Park)Murray Delta Juke Joint (Goolwa)   Nexus Arts (CBD)The Three Brothers Arms (Macclesfield)   My Lover Cindi (CBD)Exeter Hotel (CBD)  Confession (Port Adelaide)Big Easy Radio (Aldinga Beach)   Prompt Creative Centre (CBD)For more information on support available for South Australia’s live music industry visit the website. 

The annual Goolwa AquaFest classic speedboat event will be on this weekend, 13 and 14 April.The event features vintage wooden hydroplanes, skiffs, classic old wooden race, and ski boats, as well as fibreglass classic race and ski boats.When not in the water the boats will be on display in the pit area and accessible to the public who want a closer look.There will also be a vintage aeroplane flyover and if the weather is kind a Hot Rod and classic car display. It all happens at the Goolwa Aquatic Club, where entry is free to spectators; food and drink will be available for purchase.Local traffic restrictions will apply, with a temporary 20km/h speed limit from 7.30am Saturday to 6pm Sunday at the following locations:​​Barrage Road, Goolwa between from 50 metres south of Billabong Road to 50 metres north of Yates Avenue.Yates Avenue, Goolwa between from Barrage Road for 50 metres west.Billabong Road, Goolwa between from Barrage Road for 50 metres west.The Goolwa Aquatic car park on Barrage Road will be temporarily closed at the same time. For more information visit the Alexandrina Council website.