Renmark welcomes a world champ
Madison Eastmond. A world rowing champion has made his way to the Riverland this month, sharing training and experience with local clubs and aspiring athletes. Italian lightweight world rowing champion Patrick Rocek arrived in Loxton earlier this month, with the athlete using his time in the region to train with the Renmark Rowing Club...
Risks in record China wine exports?
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland's State MP says returning to an "over-reliance" on exports to China is creating further risks for the local wine industry. Recent ABS trade data revealed South Australia exported $855 million of wine to China in the year to March 2025 – a 200-fold increase on the previous year.
Unlocked for repairs
Sebastian Calderon. Riverlanders are being treated to the rare sight of an emptied lock in the region, with maintenance and repair work being done on the major water infrastructure. Lock 3, near Overland Corner, was drained earlier this month and is undergoing essential maintenance works...
Mid Murray’s economic growth potential highlighted
Christine Webster. Swan Reach, west of Morgan, plus Truro and Mannum, have been suggested as having the most potential for accommodating development in a draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy for the Mid Murray ... The draft strategy said the River Murray Dark Sky Reserve presented significant economic development opportunities across several industries...
‘Hard truths’ in final flood report
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland's State MP says a report into the 2022/23 Murray River flood response shows preparations for the emergency "fell short" of what was necessary. The final report of the Select Committee into the River Murray Flooding Event was released last week.
St Agnes distils history for 100th year
One of the Riverland's most recognisable distillers has marked its 100th season by releasing a new piece of Australian spirit "history". Renmark's St Agnes Distillery – operated by Angove Family winemakers – last week unveiled the St Agnes XXO 50 Year Old Exceptional Reserve brandy, the oldest bottled spirit ever produced in Australia.
Turning the pressure up
Hugh Schuitemaker. A Riverlander says it is imperative the State Government is reminded about the need for a heavy vehicle bypass to be constructed at Truro, following the recent Federal Election result. Labor’s victory at the 2025 Federal Election earlier this month means the State Government will need to provide 50 per cent of funding for the proposed Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass...
New water tanks secure Taplan’s water supply
More than 690,000L of drinking water can now be stored in newly-constructed tanks at Taplan, aiming to improve water supply and reliability for the Riverland town. SA Water has recently completed a $10m renovation on new water storage tanks located on Taplan Road, increasing storage capacity up to five-times compared to the previous structures, built more than 40 years ago.
