Aware that many of our Fleurieu residents travel into the city and beyond, we’ve expanded our Road Watch to cover the full list of mobile speed camera locations across South Australia.Today, Tuesday, May 7, speed detection units will be active not only throughout the Fleurieu Peninsula but also across key metropolitan and regional roads. These mobile cameras are part of a statewide effort to reduce speeding, encourage safer driving, and prevent road trauma.Whether you're commuting to Adelaide, heading out for work, or just enjoying a drive through our beautiful region, please stay alert and stick to the speed limits. A comprehensive list of today’s speed camera locations has been released to help you plan your travel and stay safe.Let’s all do our part to make our roads safer — wherever the journey takes us.ANGLE VALE RD, HILLIERANGLE VALE RD, EVANSTON GARDENSBALMORAL RD, COCKATOO VALLEYCANDY RD, O'HALLORAN HILLCOVENTRY RD, KUDLADALKEITH RD, KUDLAEDUCATION RD, HAPPY VALLEYHILLIER RD, REYNELLAHORROCKS HWY, ROSEWORTHYHUB DR, ABERFOYLE PARKKANGARILLA RD, KANGARILLAMAIN NORTH RD, KUDLAMAIN SOUTH RD, O'HALLORAN HILLMAIN SOUTH RD, HUNTFIELD HEIGHTSMAIN SOUTH RD, OLD REYNELLAMCLAREN FLAT RD, KANGARILLAMURRAY RD, WILLASTONOLD SOUTH RD, OLD REYNELLAROSEDALE RD, ROSEDALESEVENTH ST, GAWLER SOUTHSHERRIFFS RD, MORPHETT VALESTURT HWY, SHEA-OAK LOGSTURT HWY, NURIOOTPATHIELE HWY, FREELINGWINDEBANKS RD, ABERFOYLE PARK

The 2025 South Australian Citizen Science Award nominations are now open, celebrating community efforts to better understand the natural world.Held by Inspiring South Australia, the Department for Environment and Water and the South Australian Chapter of the Australian Citizen Science Association, the awards are open to South Australian projects that currently engage citizen science activities and promote and increase community participation in projects that encompass quality science, engagement and education.The award offers two prizes - a first prize of $5000 and a finalist prize of $2500 – which can be used to further support scientific projects or to generate new ones.The winner of last year’s Citizen Science Award was FrogWatch SA, a conservation project recognised for engaging the local community in monitoring frogs through its FrogSpotter app.Eager frog fans can record frog calls and locations, boosting the state’s understanding of frog species populations and habitats.The 2024 finalist prize went to The Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation’s partnership program the Thukubi (freshwater turtle) monitoring project. As part of the larger ‘1 Million Turtles’ program, citizen scientists came out of their shells to monitor and conserve freshwater turtle populations in the Murraylands and Lower Lakes area, recording their data in the TurtleSAT app.Helen Donovan is Manager of Community and Nature Partnerships at the National Parks and Wildlife Service. She says being involved in citizen science is a great way to support the local environment.“As well as benefiting research, citizen science projects foster community engagement Dr Donovan says.“Regardless of our day-to-day roles, we can all actively participate and help expand knowledge of the world around us through citizen science projects.“Citizen science appeals to the young and old. Being hands-on, it sparks an interest in connecting with science and contributing positively to society.”For more information on the awards and to enter visit the Environment SA website.

The state electorate of Finniss will celebrate 50 years of service to its community this month.Current MP David Basham is inviting the community to his Finniss Electorate Office on Victoria Street, in Victor Harbor, this Friday 9 May from 12noon to 2pm for a free barbecue and coffee.The Victor Harbor Rotary Club will cook the barbecue and the Brew Box will make the coffee and there will be a large birthday cake for all to enjoy, all funded by the MP.Past local member and former Premier Dr Dean Brown AO will attend, along with Leader of the Opposition Vincent Tarzia. Mr Basham says he is proud of the legacy of the South Australian House of Assembly seat. “The seat has attracted passionate local members who have fought hard to be a strong voice for the south coast community.“We have had Ministers and Shadow Ministers with a focus on rural and regional issues to support the growth of our region.“To have a Premier within the electorate is why the Southern Expressway was funded, which was integral in bringing the Fleurieu region to Adelaide’s doorstep. It was a boon for the region economically, transport wise and for tourism.”    Known as Alexandra from 1902 until 1993, the electorate was originally twice the size and took in Noarlunga and Mount Barker. Redistributions and adjustment for the growth of the south coast region have changed the boundaries to the current electoral district of Finniss, renamed after the first Premier of South Australia. It covers more than a thousand square kilometres of regional area from Waitpinga, through the Fleurieu Coast and across to Point Sturt and up to Mount Compass and Sandergrove, including a portion of Lake Alexandrina. The first office for the electorate was set up by local member, Ted Chapman, who represented the region from 1973 through to 1992. He was Minister for Agriculture and Forests under the Tonkin Government.  Dean Brown took over the seat in 1992 and remained the local member until his retirement from politics in 2006, overseeing the transition from Alexandra to Finniss during that time Dr Brown also served as the 10th Premier of South Australia. Michael Pengilly won the seat in 2006 and remained until 2018, when he stepped down to again become Mayor of Kangaroo Island. Current MP David Basham has held the seat since 2018. He served as Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development between 2020 and 2022 and has been the Shadow Minister for Environment and Water Infrastructure since January this year.Image courtesy of State Electoral Commission.

City of Onkaparinga is proposing to lease community land in Port Willunga for a community, social and affordable rental housing project.The council says it is looking at ways it can contribute to easing the housing crisis and this pilot process would lease a part of Skoda Street Reserve for up to 42 years.It is asking for community feedback on a draft Community Land Management Plan that would facilitate the project.If approved, future steps would include the council inviting expressions of interest from registered community housing providers to submit proposals to develop, construct and manage the project.This would provide community, social and affordable housing for rent to eligible people in the community. The council will hold a listening post for community discussion of the proposal at the Aldinga Shopping Centre on Saturday 17 May, between 10am and 1pm.More information about Skoda Street Reserve and the draft Community Land Management Plan can be found online, where feedback can also be lodged.Community consultation will close on 26 May.

Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie looks to have comfortably held her seat of Mayo in the 3 May federal election and will continue to represent the electorate covering Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu and Adelaide Hills.She will return to a very different House of Representatives when Parliament resumes, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) with a landslide victory to a second term of government.The vote count is not yet final in Mayo, a rise in the Labor vote delaying allocation of preferences.Ms Sharkie won 30 per cent of the primary vote in Mayo, down slightly on the 2022 election; the Liberal vote was also down, Zane Basic winning 24 per cent of primary votes, down by 3 percent.In keeping with the national swing from Labor to Liberal, the ALP’s Marisa Bell increased her vote by more than 3 percent to 21 per cent, while the Greens vote also increased slightly to just over 13 per cent.Mayo is one of 10 federal seats in South Australia; only one SA seat changed hands at this election, the ALP taking the metropolitan seat of Sturt for the first time.There were swings of up to 10 per cent to Labor and away from the Liberals in all the state’s seats.Of the six Senate vacancies, on first preference votes counted so far, the ALP has secured two with a third likely; the Liberals have secured one seat, with a second likely; and the Greens have retained their seat.Full details of the 2025 federal election count can be found on the Australian Electoral Commission website.

SA Health has advised people to avoid activities that might involve accidental ingestion of water from the Goolwa Channel after testing identified elevated levels of potentially harmful blue green algae. People living in the area or visiting Lake Alexandrina and the Goolwa Channel can still enjoy boating and fishing but are strongly advised to avoid swimming and diving and take extra care not to ingest water in the channel. The affected area stretches from Point Sturt to the Goolwa Barrage where water samples showed elevated levels of the algae. Unlike other forms of blue green algae, the species detected there generally does not form scums, so is not easily visible to the naked eye. It is the same form of algae that closed Lake Alexandrina to swimming and diving from March to August in 2024. It is not related to the ongoing marine 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘪 microalgae bloom currently affecting beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.Direct contact with the water could cause irritation to the skin, eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Swallowing water containing the algae can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. SA Health Principal Water Quality Adviser Dr David Cunliffe says it’s fine to visit the area and enjoy its recreational options but not to swim or dive in the channel or drink the water, and keep pets and children well clear. “If you have been in the water in this section of the Goolwa Channel and start to feel unwell you should see your GP and tell them you might have been exposed to blue green algae. “Dogs are also vulnerable and should be kept out of the water because the algae can stick to their fur and be ingested if they groom themselves. “Fish caught in the channel should be cleaned with fresh water and gutted thoroughly before being eaten. SA Water does not source water from the channel. “

The CFS has responded to a green waste fire at a business on Kangaroo Road at Langhorne Creek.CFS volunteers on seven trucks, supported by employees from the waste facility, worked to extinguish the fire.The fire was burning in a mulch pile and has now been handed over to the property owners.Smoke may be visible in the area as crews work to break up and extinguish the mulch pile. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.

Goolwa’s Bristow Smith Reserve Playground will close for around a month from tomorrow, Monday 5 May, for maintenance works.The popular aquatic-themed nature playground, next to the Goolwa Channel, was opened almost 10 years ago and is due for an upgrade. Alexandrina Council fenced off part of the playground earlier in the year for repair of the feature fishing boat. The next stage of scheduled maintenance will include repairs to the rope netting connected to the boat and structural posts for the climbing web, balance beams and climbing poles.For public safety the entire playground will be closed while the works take place. Weather permitting, it is expected to reopen in early June.Anyone wanting to follow progress of the upgrade or find alternative local play spaces can visit the council website. 

This week, RSPCA South Australia is featuring a truly special bonded pair: Astrid (White/Ginger) and Ruby (Brown/Tabby). These two beautiful cats are looking for a forever home together—and for a limited time, you can adopt them both for just $90!💕 About Astrid & RubyThese sweet girls are deeply connected and thrive in each other’s company. Once settled into a calm, loving home, they become affectionate companions who adore gentle pats and even tummy rubs!Ruby purrs like a tiny engine and both cats enjoy soft interactions once they build trust.They're not too keen on being picked up, but once they feel safe, their loving personalities shine through.Both enjoy food, cozy corners, and each other’s company above all else.Astrid - RSPCA South AustraliaRuby - RSPCA South Australia🏠 Their Ideal HomeA quiet, calm householdNo busy or chaotic environmentsMust be adopted as a pairBest suited to patient adopters who can give them time to settle in and feel secureReady to meet these perfectly adoptable girls?Visit www.rspcasa.org.au or come in to the O’Halloran Hill animal care campus to meet Astrid (AID: 188254) and Ruby (AID: 188253) today.

A citizen science project has been set up to track marine mortality across the state following the toxic algal bloom affecting local coastal waters.Established by iNaturalist and  OzFish Unlimited, the project maps fish and marine  deaths from reports made by observers on the ground.The SA Marine Mortality events 2025 project gathers data on aquatic vertebrates and macroinvertebrates annotated 'dead' from February 2025 onwards.The majority of records should reflect marine mortalities associated with the statewide marine heatwave that has seen a vast number and variety of sea creatures wash up on beaches.Anyone who finds dead marine life washed up is asked to report it to the project. Visit the website for details of the project and how to make a report.Excessive deposits of yellow foam caused the closure of Parsons and Waitpinga beaches at Victor Harbor and the horse tram service to Granite Island was suspended, due to effects of the microalgae Karenia Mikimotoi.This followed widespread reports of surfers and beachgoers suffering symptoms including coughing and breathing difficulties, itchy eyes and blurred vision and dead fish and marine creatures washing up on beaches across the south coast.SA Health has advised people to avoid swimming in affected areas and avoid discoloured water.

Kalyra McLaren Vale Village will host a movie screening, Live the Life You Please, on Wednesday 14 May.The 30 minute film is part of a campaign aims to improve awareness about palliative care and advocate for increased access to essential palliative care and related health care services in Australia. Stories told by medical professionals, patients and families provide an intimate look at the end of life experience, aiming to help start important conversations about how it can be improved for everyone.Organised by Compassionate Communities, the screening will be followed by a Q&A panel with experts in the field.Doors to the community hall open at 3pm; refreshments will be available for a gold coin donation. RSVP by Monday 12 May by calling 8408 4752.Find out more about the Live the Life You Please campaign on the website.

Many have reportedly already cast their ballots at early polling places or by post, but the official federal election day is tomorrow, Saturday 3 May.For those who like their democracy sausage on the day here is where to vote across the Fleurieu and Kangaroos Island, between 8am and 6pm.Alexandrina regionAshbourne War Memorial Hall - 1293 Bull Creek Rd, AshbourneCurrency Creek Community Hall - 2836 Alexandrina Rd, Currency CreekGoolwa Uniting Church - 1 Collingwood St, GoolwaGoolwa Secondary College - 2-30 Glendale Gr, GoolwaLanghorne Creek Soldiers Memorial Hall - 89 Bridge Rd, Langhorne CreekMeadows Memorial Hall - 51 Mawson Rd, MeadowsMiddleton Pioneer Hall - 1 Walker Pl, MiddletonMilang Institute - 23 Coxe St, MilangMount Compass Area School - School Rd, Mount CompassPort Elliot Primary School - 4 Cameron St, Port ElliotStrathalbyn 7-12 Campus Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School - 11 Callington Rd, StrathalbynOnkaparinga southern vales regionAldinga Community Centre - 7 Stewart Ave, Aldinga BeachAldinga Institute Hall - 23 Old Coach Rd, AldingaKangarilla Primary School - 33-35 McLaren Flat Rd, KangarillaMcLaren Flat Community Club - 41 Main Rd, McLaren FlatMcLaren Vale Primary School - 239-253 Caffrey St, McLaren ValeSellicks Beach Community Hall - William Eatts Reserve, Riviera Rd, Sellicks BeachWillunga High School - 239-253 Main Rd, WillungaKangaroo IslandKangaroo Island Community Education (Penneshaw Campus) - Howard Dr, PenneshawAmerican River Community Hall - 32 Ryberg Rd, American RiverKangaroo Island Community Education (Kingscote Campus) - 5 Centenary Ave, KingscoteParndana Community Health Centre - 12 Jubilee Ave, ParndanaVictor Harbor regionEncounter Centre - 42 Armstrong Rd, Victor HarborEncounter Lutheran College - 64 Adelaide Rd, Victor HarborVictor Harbor Uniting Church Hall - 30 Victoria St, Victor HarborYankalilla regionDelamere St James Anglican Church - 8495 Main South Rd, DelamereMyponga Hall - 40 Main South Rd, MypongaSecond Valley Soldiers Memorial Hall - 140 Finniss Vale Dr, Second ValleyYankalilla Jubilee Hall - 207 Main South Rd, YankalillaFor further information about voting and details about venue accessibility, visit he Australian Electoral Commission website.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate 33-year-old Maryada, who has been reported missing from Maslin Beach.He was last seen at his home around 2pm on Tuesday, April 29, and has not been heard from since. Authorities believe he may be in the Goolwa area.Maryada is described as being approximately 180cm tall, with a slim build, tanned complexion, and short, wavy black hair. He may be driving a black 2012 Ford LWII sedan, registered S162AWC.Police are urging anyone who has seen Maryada, his vehicle, or has any information on his whereabouts to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 as soon as possible.Reference number: 114609

The original Paw Party is back at Strathalbyn community swimming pool this Sunday 4 May.The pool will be open exclusively to furry friends and their humans for a one-of-a-kind swim session.Celebrate the pawsome season finale with tail-wagging fun at the fully-fenced pool. Dog toys are welcomeTickets cost $10 per dog plus owner, with a maximum of four humans per dog. Extra humans can join the fun with a gold coin donation at the door.All proceeds go to YMCA SA mental health initiatives.There will separate sessions for different-sized dogs; sessions start from 8.30am. Book tickets online.

The state government is inviting all South Australians, including those with lived experience of disability and those who care for them or work in the sector, to share their feedback on the draft State Disability Inclusion Plan 2025–2029. It has made a commitment to create a fairer, more inclusive society and has opened public consultation for the plan to make sure the many and varied voices of the disability community are heard loud and clear. The first State Disability Inclusion Plan was launched in 2019, bringing together government agencies and local councils to foster inclusion and accessibility. Feedback from consultation with community has highlighted there is still plenty of work to be done to break down the barriers people with disability continue to face.Human Services Minister Nat Cook says the State Disability Inclusion Plan 2025-2029 sets out an important pathway forward in South Australia to a society that enables everyone to be able to participate equally and feel connected to their communities. “The only way we can truly achieve this is by listening to as many people in the disability community as possible. “The contributions of those with lived experience of disability, family members, carers and providers are crucial to creating meaningful changes that improve people’s lives.”She says Access, Opportunity, Support, Wellbeing, and Justice—these five themes, shaped by community feedback, will drive the State Plan for the next four years. Each one comes with clear, measurable goals to track real progress and impact. There are also seven priority groups of people with disability: Aboriginal people, culturally and linguistically diverse people (CALD), children, women, LGBTIQA+, people with significant intellectual disability or who have high levels of vulnerability due to disability.The State Disability Inclusion Plan has been developed in alignment with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 and will also work alongside and interact with the SA Autism Strategy 2024-2029. Those who want to have a say can download the draft plan online and complete the survey, or make a visual, audio or written submission to the Department of Human Services via email.Public consultation closes on Thursday 15 May. The final plan is expected to be released later this year after feedback has been collated and considered. For more information on how to have a say, visit the website. 

More than 18,000 people attended the 2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival over the weekend, according to Alexandrina Council.The event showcased the revitalised Goolwa Wharf Precinct and celebrated the craftsmanship of wooden boat building and the riverport’s rich maritime history.Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes says the return of the biennial event to the wharf after a brief hiatus at Coorong Quays was embraced by the local community and thousands of visitors, with one of the largest attendances in the nearly four-decade history of the festival.“Everything about the festival was outstanding and I received so many positive comments from people who attended over the Saturday and Sunday. The wharf precinct really had this wonderful festival atmosphere.” The Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency Frances Adamson AC, opened the festival, which was also attended by Senators Penny Wong and Anne Ruston, SA Deputy Premier Susan Close, Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie MP and Finniss MP David Basham. “There was so much for boaties to see and do and so much for families to do who have never had anything to do with wooden boats,” Mayor Parkes says.“More than 100 wooden boats came to Goolwa – new and vintage, under sail, steam, motor and paddle. It was wonderful to see such a large number of paddle steamers make the trip down river to join us.“The fireworks from the Hindmarsh Island Bridge on the Saturday night, sponsored by the Goolwa Wharf Construction Delivery Team… was a huge crowd pleaser.“It was one of the best fireworks displays I have seen from the bridge and families really appreciated the early 8.30pm timeslot for their children.“I loved seeing all the Island residents and visitors gathered across the river to watch the show. It was a great community experience.The festival was the backdrop of a celebration on 26 April to officially open the upgrade of the historic Goolwa Wharf Precinct.Representatives from the federal and state governments joined Alexandrina Council in unveiling a plaque recognising the work done on this major project to restore, renovate and protect Goolwa Wharf, the Wharf Shed, the Signal Point Experience Centre and the surrounds of the heritage-listed precinct.

South Australia Police are searching for 46-year-old Trevor Headon in relation to recent serious offences.Authorities believe Mr Headon travelled from Victoria to South Australia in the past two weeks and may be in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, where he has known connections.He is described as Aboriginal, approximately 185cm tall, with a medium build, short black hair, and brown eyes.Police warn that Mr Headon should not be approached. Anyone who sees him or has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Monday's 'Coffee with a Cop' at Strathalbyn provided a relaxed and informal opportunity for locals and visitors to stop and have a chat and a cuppa with local police.Hills Fleurieu Police, including Crime Prevention Section officers from Mount Barker, hosted the event on Monday 28 April.Some people weren't initially aware of the event but happily stopped by for a coffee or tea as they were travelling through the township.Senior Constable Virgo provided some excitement for the young ones, or those young at heart, by bringing his police motorcycle along for some photo opportunities, as well as discussions around pedestrians, vulnerable road users and general road safety.About 40 people attended the event throughout the morning, with the common themes raised by local residents including population growth in both Strathalbyn and Mount Barker, traffic and road safety and discussions around various upcoming community events in the Strathalbyn area planned for 2025.Brevet Sergeant Glenn Batty, officer in charge of Strathalbyn Police Station, said, "The event was a success, and I'm really pleased with the interactions that we had with the local community."SAPOL will be hosting more 'Coffee with a Cop' events throughout 2025.

 An enthusiastic crowd cheered loudly as the Encounter Coast Surfing Reserve formally became recognised as an ‘iconic place of value to the nation’. National Surfing Reserves co-founder and chair Professor Andrew Short OAM flew from Sydney to speak at the dedication ceremony on the foreshore at Middleton on Sunday 27 April. Professor Short acknowledged the long and rich surfing culture of the south coast. “There is plenty of evidence of surfing being enjoyed as far back as the early 1920s in this region. It really flourished in the ‘60s and ‘70s and continues to rightly claim to be a reliable ‘go-to’ for waves to cater for all levels.” The Reserve will take in twenty-two well-known surfing spots that lie along the Encounter Coast from west to east and include Parsons Point, Parsons Beach, Waitpinga, Kings Head, Petrel Cove, The Pines, Shark Alley, The Dump, Boomer, Bullies, Knights, Chicken Run, Frenchmans, Middleton Bay, Middleton Point, Middleton Beach, Day St, Cliffs and Goolwa Beach.  MP for Finniss David Basham was at the ceremony and said the recognition and establishment of the Encounter Coast Surfing Reserve will not only protect the regions surf breaks, reef areas, cliff faces, sand dunes, but will also contribute to positive economic benefits for the local business community. ​ “I fully supported the call for the area from Parsons Beach to Goolwa to be established as a National Surfing Reserve back in 2018, when first approached by the steering committee. “I know there were moves around creating the reserve at least a year or two earlier, so it has been a long process requiring dedication and resilience by the committee and its many supporters. “Declaring these areas a National Surfing Reserve will enhance public enjoyment for many years to come, whether it is surfing, swimming, fishing of just walking along one of our many spectacular beaches in the region.” The ceremony coincided with the 2025 Southern Surf Festival, a two-day celebration of South Australian surfing at Middleton Point, featuring over 200 competitors across shortboard, longboard, single-fin, twin-fin, para, and mid-length events, and drawing huge crowds across the weekend.   ​