Snorkelling returns at ponds: Ewens Ponds is coping well with the slow return of water activities after a five-month closure, according to authorities. National Parks and Wildlife Service district ranger Ross Anderson says snorkelling at the ponds has been booked out most days since reopening in late December. The ponds were closed in July last year after a rapid drop in the water level. Mr Anderson says safeguards are in place to protect vegetation in the ponds, and conditions are being monitored closely.
Portable loos installed at swimming spot: Grant District Council has installed portable toilets at the Little Blue Lake, following complaints about human excrement. Council has allocated $20,000 to buy and maintain portable toilets, which are expected to remain through to February. Chief executive officer Darryl Whicker says elected members will then decide whether to keep the toilets at the site for the longer term. He says council wants to work with the state government to install permanent facilities at the lake.
Mount Gambier house prices soar: South Australia continues to lead the country in regional house price growth, despite a lack of affordability beginning to have an impact. Domain's house price report shows prices across regional SA rose by 10 per cent in the final quarter of 2024, with a median price of $515,000. House prices grew by 10 per cent in Mount Gambier over the past year, but shrunk five per cent in the Naracoorte Lucindale district.
Speedy drivers spark concern along coast: The Kingston District Council will place electronic boards displaying speed limits along popular roads in the town amid an influx of tourists over the holiday period. Traffic counters have detected drivers regularly exceeding 60kph in 50 zones, including on Marine Parade and Pinks Beach Road. Locals have also reported vehicles exceeding speed limits along the beach.
Structures take shape at OB Flat: Four permanent pavilions have been installed at the Generations in Jazz site, as preparations for this year's event ramp up. The state government committed $720,000 at last year's festival to pay for the new pavilions at the OB Flat site. More than 100 schools from every state and territory will take part this year. Board member John Pratt says while temporary pavilions will still be needed, the new structures are a helpful addition.
Abalone virus on the move: A deadly abalone virus is continuing to spread through south east waters, with officials saying there's no way to manage its movement. Abalone viral ganglioneuritis has caused abalone deaths across the coast, including as far north as Robe, since it was first detected last February. Primary Industries and Regions SA says decontamination protocols brought in last year will be the new normal for fishers going forward.
Pontoon reinstalled at popular seaside town: Repairs to the Robe swimming pontoon have allowed the local council to reinstall it. Elected members voted to return the pontoon to the water at a meeting on Monday night, reversing a decision last year to remove it due to safety concerns and rising costs. The Robe Surf Lifesaving Club will undertake weekly inspections of the pontoon to meet insurance requirements.
