New chief for MVFNL
Hugh Schuitemaker. Maintaining momentum – after a solid first two years of existence – is the goal of the new president of the region’s second largest football league. Former Brown’s Well Football Club president Andrew Schultz has been announced Murray Valley Football Netball League (MVFNL) president, taking over from inaugural chair – and former long-serving Riverland Football League chief – Neil Martinson.
Waikerie loses its Neighbourhood Watch
Christine Webster. A volunteer organisation committed to preventing crime in the Waikerie area has gone into recess after 34 years of operation. Waikerie Neighbourhood Watch met for the last time at a lunch at the Waikerie Club on 5 December.
$20.9m funding for Murray-Darling Basin water savings – Where’s the benefit?
Hugh Schuitemaker. Senior Riverland politicians have questioned the potential benefits of a multi-million dollar environmental plan to use treated wastewater – rather than Murray River water – to water public areas and “to supply some industries”. The Federal and State Governments last month announced $20.9m in funding to build infrastructure allowing local governments to substitute Murray River water with storm water, treated wastewater or other alterna-tive water sources.
Funding taking Canoe the Riverland to next level
A new grant is set to enable a Riverland tourism business showcase the region’s environmental sites to increased numbers of visitors ... Canoe the Riverland operator Brenton Carle said the grant would enable the purchase of a 12-seater pontoon boat to conduct tours with larger groups.
Wine industry code changes a ‘fair ask’?
Introducing rules surrounding earlier indicative pricing and accepted tonnages would benefit Riverland wine grape growers, according to senior local politicians in attendance at a recent industry inquiry ... Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said suggested changes surrounding a mandatory code – including the earlier release of indicative prices – would provide growers with more business certainty before annual vintages.
Think, question
Ian Penno. Getting around lately and in general discussions mainly with locals, it is satisfying that they are still thinking for themselves and in their own minds questioning the management and direction of our great region, state and country. Courage must be to ask the questions out loud and demand answers ... Water ... Fair go for horticulture transition ... Energy ...
Oar-some to be back on the water
Lachlan Dand. For the first time since 2021, one of the most prestigious events on the Rowing SA calendar last weekend returned to Renmark ... Renmark Rowing Club president Tony Townsend said the weekend was a "success" as over 740 rowers hit the water for more than 185 races across the two days, including some competitors coming from interstate.
Riverland visit missing from China wine tour
Hugh Schuitemaker. Local senior politicians are feeling "left out in the cold" after Chinese wine buyers failed to make a direct visit to the Riverland during a South Australian tour. The State Government last week hosted a delegation of Chinese wine buyers that visited regions including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley. Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the value of Riverland wine to the state’s economy meant the region should have featured in the tour.
