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SA

Mobile tower funding

Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross has set the record straight by explaining why the council chose not to allocate ratepayer funds to Telstra’s Limestone Coast Connectivity Project which had only two mobile base stations earmarked for the district ... it was not prepared to use limited public funds to subsidise infrastructure that Telstra—a major telecommunications provider—had a responsibility to deliver.

A WIN for people power, says MP

The sudden backflip on withdrawing Channel Seven programming from South-East free-to-air TV screens is a testament to the community’s determination, a local MP says ... “I am livid that communities across the Limestone Coast and the Riverland were used as pawns in a commercial negotiation and I have made my disappointment clear to the chief executive officers of both organisations,” said Liberal member for Barker, Tony Pasin.

Reforms mean RIT unable to trade?

Hugh Schuitemaker. One of the Riverland's major irrigation trusts has been left unable to make water trades due to new market reforms. Renmark Irrigation Trust (RIT) has advised new regulations under the Federal Government's water market reform would restrict it from facilitating any water trades of allocation or entitlement between customers for now.

Property owners face homelessness

Christine Webster. The owners of a Mount Mary property, who were told by Mid Murray Council they were breaking the law by living on their vacant land in a motorhome and bus, have left the area in frustration ... Mr King believes he and his friend have a right to live on the property in their registered bus and motorhome.

Glossop’s got mail (again)

Madison Eastmond. A Riverland town has regained its post office after almost 12 months without the service. Since opening KB'z Coffee recently, Kylee Bradford has brought back Glossop's mail service, with the drive-through-café now already home to 300 (and counting) postal boxes.

Sparkling trophies on display

A collection of agricultural and sporting trophies from the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra is on display at the Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery. Sixteen silver objects have been loaned ... Many of them have South Australian connections either with the silversmith or the award.

Murray Pioneer, 9 July 2025

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The Naracoorte News, 9 July 2025

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Fishers’ plea for lifeline

Michelle Daw. Commercial fishers are calling for the South Australian Government to waive licence and quota fees as they continue to struggle with low catches amid the devastating impact of the prolonged toxic algal bloom on marine life.

SA first: All hours ambos

Copper Coast is set to become the first regional area in South Australia to host a 24-hour ambulance crew. A team of 12 SA Ambulance Service career paramedics will begin operating from Moonta from Monday, July 14, before relocating to the Wallaroo Ambulance Station later this year once major upgrades at that site are complete.

‘Tough cookie’ masters walk

Michelle Daw. An 84-year-old Sydneysider has taken on the Walk the Yorke trail unassisted and completed all 500 kilometres in just 29 days, including seven rest days. Don Andrews started in Port Wakefield on June 4 and walked along the eastern and western coasts of Yorke Peninsula via all 10 stages of the trail to arrive in Moonta Bay on July 2.

Dinner bill enquiry

A recent enquiry from a Naracoorte Lucindale councillor has shed light on the cost of council-funded meals, raising questions about the ongoing expenses tied to post-meeting dinners. Via questions on notice, Cr Craig McGuire asked the council administration to provide cost details for ratepayer-funded meals post-monthly council meetings and estimated costs for paid consultants and public consultations.

Rate rise endorsed – but NLC will help those in drought or having tough times

An average 5 per cent rate rise for the 2025-26 financial year was cemented at Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s June 24 meeting following a unanimous vote. As a result of community consultation, the council endorsed three major changes to its draft budget. It decided not to spend $361,550 on the Leicester St playground.

Landmark excessive self-defence reforms passed

Landmark reforms to South Australia’s excessive self-defence laws that were developed in the wake of the tragic killing of Mount Gambier woman Synamin Bell have passed the state parliament. Ms Bell was killed in 2022 by her partner after he consumed hallucinogenic drugs that brought on a paranoid psychosis. Although he was initially charged with murder, under previous laws he was able to plead guilty to manslaughter through reliance on the partial defence of excessive self-defence.

Troy gets a Riverland tour

Hugh Schuitemaker. Finding beneficial compromises between Riverland water resource users and those in other states will be necessary for the future success of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, according to a top water management figure. Inspector-General Of Water Compliance Troy Grant last week visited the Riverland as part of a tour through South Australia.

Long-term potential

Madison Eastmond. A Riverland ecology site has received more than $400,000 worth of state funding to complete the first stage of a five-point masterplan to secure a sustainable future ... Providing a learning environment facilitated by ecologists and a dedicated ranger team just outside of Renmark, Calperum Station is comprised of prominently open Mallee bushland and Murray River flood plains, and hosts opportunities for educational and training programs, and nature-based recreational activities.

The wine warning

Hugh Schuitemaker. Riverland wine grape growers have been advised by their peak representative body, and senior local politicians, that realistic expectations and business decisions are required before the next vintage. Riverland Wine today released a statement asking members to "carefully consider their business models and make balanced, financially viable decisions heading into vintage 2026".

Murray Pioneer, 2 July 2025

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The Naracoorte News, 2 July 2025

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Twelve hours for one appointment

Sarah Herrmann. Amid a state government review of regional public transport, a Stansbury resident has shared her travel challenges following two surgeries ... Cheryl Waldron, 68 ... made the trip using Care In Motion's health bus, a not-for-profit transport service ... "I caught it from Stansbury at 6.10 in the morning and got home at 6.30 at night."

“Ridiculous” wait times for blood tests on SYP

Joanna Tucker. Residents in Yorketown and Minlaton have raised concerns about long wait times for blood tests. Stephanie Parsons, of Minlaton, said that, although she did not often need a blood test, she thought the delays others regularly faced were bizarre.

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