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The Menindee Lakes system is often described as the beating heart of the Darling-Baaka river system, but in the halls of Canberra and Sydney, it is also a vital "battery" for the Murray-Darling Basin. As we move into 2026, the lakes find themselves at the centre of a major policy shift - the "rescoping" of a controversial water-saving project that has pitted engineering efficiency against cultural survival.

On Thursday 15 January 2026, the Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, announced the Federal Government's decision to list the Lower Murray River System as being of Critically Endangered conservation status pursuant to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth). Minister Watt's statement together with early statements from National Farmers' Federation and the Nature Conservation Council of NSW demonstrate some of the points of difference over this contentious decision.

Madison Eastmond. Visiting the Riverland as part of a broader regional tour of South Australia last Wednesday and Thursday, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas met privately with local growers and wine industry representatives to discuss current issues within the industry, including falling grape prices, increasing water and production costs, and tolls on mental health.

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Caitlin Menadue. A new Dark Sky Policy could put Yorke Peninsula's Port Moorowie on the stargazing map as community consultation draws to a close today, Tuesday, January 13. If adopted, Port Moorowie will become an established Dark Sky Community alongside Carrickalinga on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the first Dark Sky Community in South Australia.

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Sebastian Calderon. "In a country town, if you can play piano, you get asked to do a lot of things... " - Karyn Skewes ... Community contribution through music, mentorship and quiet leadership has earned Loxton's Karyn Skewes the District Council of Loxton Waikerie Citizen of the Year award – recognising more than three decades of shaping the region's cultural life and strengthening local connections.

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Michelle Daw. Stansbury oyster growers have cautiously welcomed the reopening of their harvesting area, which had been shut since early May. Growers were informed of the reopening mid-afternoon on Wednesday, December 31 — too late for them to sell for the lucrative Christmas and New Year's Eve markets.

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A Riverland MP is urging locals and visitors to show their support for the region's wine industry while enjoying the summer holiday season. Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone launched his Local Labels campaign last week, highlighting the range of Riverland wines available from wineries, liquor stores and venues like hotels, clubs, cafés and restaurants. "This summer is the perfect time to celebrate and the exceptional wines that our region produces, while also sending a clear message that this is an industry worth fighting for," Mr Whetstone said.

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Graham Fischer. The victory of Omnia at Globe Derby Park ... justified owner Tara-Shae Linke's bold decision to pair her mare Consica with the American stallion Volstead...

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Six hi-tech monitoring buoys which will automatically detect future harmful algal blooms before they reach our shores are being deployed across South Australian waters. The state-of-the-art oceanographic moorings are equipped with specific sensors for early detection of key harmful algal bloom (HAB) species such as Karenia.

This Christmas, Naracoorte father and leukemia survivor Remo Herron has one heartfelt wish: that people give a gift that truly matters — a gift that helps save lives and keeps families together when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

Madison Eastmond. Crowds of Riverlanders lined the main street of Barmera for the annual Christmas pageant and firework display ... the community gathering providing another successful showing of local festive cheer and spirit despite the weekend heatwave.

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Michelle Daw. A team of citizen scientists is monitoring the impact of the harmful algal bloom on two southern Yorke Peninsula jetties that were home to a dazzling array of sea life. Certified volunteer divers involved in the Edithburgh and Wool Bay Jetties Marine Watch are conducting monthly photography, transects of the seafloor, and quadrat observations under and around both jetties.