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ABC News
2 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Rock lobster pots removed from Granites beach despite 'no evidence' of shark risk mitigation
Rock lobster fishers have questioned the South Australian government's decision to remove rock lobster pots from a popular western Eyre Peninsula surf beach in response to two fatal shark attacks despite a lack of scientific evidence. Following the death of 28-year-old Lance Appleby, who was taken by a shark at Granites in January, the local council and Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) released a report with 28 recommendations for shark mitigation. Among the community's concerns was that activities such as rock lobster fishing could be "conditioning" sharks to associate humans with species that form part of their diet. Streaky Bay community members subsequently called for the removal of lobster pots from surf breaks, which the SA government brought into effect last week out of respect for community sentiment. However, the decision has drawn opposition from fishers who say there is no scientific evidence that removing lobster pots will reduce the risk of shark attacks for surfers at the beach. The SA government also acknowledged there was "no evidence that this is effective as shark mitigation" in its statement announcing the decision, adding that the exclusion site for rock lobster pots at Granites was not being considered for any other location. South Australian Northern Zone Rock Lobster Association executive officer Kyri Toumazos said fishers' fundamental concern was that the actual risks from shark attacks were not being mitigated. While less than ten rock lobster fishers, mostly recreational, would be directly impacted by the exclusion zone around Granites, Mr Toumazos was concerned what kind of precedent would be set by a government policy that was made without scientific evidence. "Obviously it impacts those fishers involved, although it's not many fishers, but there's a concern that this could be something that happens more often," he said. "Our fundamental concern for this decision, with no scientific backing … is to see it actually be rolled out in other areas. "That's our fundamental concern that it goes across the board … [to] all sectors, not just the rock lobster sector." The toxic algal bloom that has wreaked havoc on parts of the state's coast has so far not spread to the Streaky Bay area. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) implemented the 12-month closure on July 25 for the immediate area around Granites, prohibiting the setting of commercial and recreational rock lobster pots. The rock lobster season does not begin until November. Streaky Bay Mayor Travis Barber acknowledged the removal of the pots from the popular surf break was "not going to be a silver bullet, but anything helps". "This was a really community-led thing from the Mid-West Coast Surf Riders Association. They came to council with a proposal, which we supported," he said. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Claire Scriven said the state government had acted on calls from the community in the aftermath of January's fatal attack. "I visited Streaky Bay in the weeks that followed the tragic loss of surfer Lance Appleby and the community sentiment about the immediate area around Granites was understandably very strong," Ms Scriven said. "We have taken this measure out of respect and recognition of the tragedy that occurred." Mr Barber said the Shark Task Force had been set up prior to Mr Appleby's tragic death — the second person to be taken by a shark at Granites since October 2023. After deliberating for about 12 months the mayor said he was pleased to see progress being made towards implementing the recommendations of the shark mitigation report. "They came up with the 28 recommendations … since the unfortunate tragedy of Lance. I've been hot on it with the council and community groups," Mr Barber said. "It's August and we've already had four things put in place. So I can't thank the government and the minister enough for how fast they've acted." Previous community-led mitigation efforts had included cardboard warning signs at beaches, a $24 air horn and a flag pole system to alert beachgoers of shark sightings. Other changes to soon take effect will include drones for shark surveillance purposes and a new rescue boat for the Streaky Bay SES.
ABC News
4 days ago
- Climate
- ABC News
Hay run bringing bales — but also smiles — to drought-stricken SA farms
At Elbow Hill, near the Lincoln and Birdseye Highways, the delivery of donated hay bales is a life-and-death matter for the sheep of Antonia Haselton and Michael Shakes. Their property outside Cowell on South Australia's eastern Eyre Peninsula has, like countless farms across the state, been in the grip of devastating drought. "We're new to this area, too, so it has been a big struggle for us, that's for sure." Michael said that, after two bad years in a row, the venture was "not making any money" — but he could barely conceal his delight when he contemplated the arrival of relief. Michael and Antonia are among hundreds of property owners across South Australia who have looked west in search of salvation. On Friday, scores of trucks carrying thousands of hay bales left Norseman in WA to cross the Nullarbor, bringing fodder to desperate farms. "We haven't fed them for about three weeks now. "The lambing percentages were way down because it was so dry and the ewes weren't looking after the lambs, they were just leaving them behind." Organised by the charities Farmers Across Borders and Need for Feed, with support from the SA government, the 85-truck convoy arrived at Ceduna on Saturday afternoon and then pushed onto its final destination in Wudinna, before the drivers went their separate ways to deliver hay to farms across the state. Another recipient of the donated fodder is Daryl Smith, who has a couple of properties around Cowell on which he grows crops and runs between 2,000 and 3,000 sheep. His feed stores have been running extremely low. "We're probably down to about two weeks' worth, I would say, so what we pick up today hopefully will just get us over the line," he said. Daryl has had to reduce numbers from his stud, and he said his upcoming ram sale in a week's time would be down quite a bit. "Too many people have had to halve their numbers — it was just too hard for too long and there have been quite a few people that have had to get out altogether, and we can understand that," he said. "When the country is bare and you have to make sacrifices somewhere." The arrival of the convoy — and the 30 bales of hay he was allocated for his Glenville poll merino stud — has replenished not just his much-depleted feed stores, but his spirits. "You look at what's happening around the world and you sort of lose faith in humanity," he said. The trek has also warmed the hearts of the truckies. At Wudinna, where a hot meal was waiting at the end of the arduous crossing, several were openly moved by the scale of the operation. "The camaraderie — yeah, it's been really, really good," said driver James Demetriou, whose cargo was destined for farms around Adelaide. "It gets quite emotional, the farmers are so thankful. It makes you feel good. "A lot of people need a lot of help, and I'm in a position where I can help people so I'm more than willing to do it." Gippsland driver Ken Schultz said it had been a "pretty emotional" experience for him too. "It always is when you go to the farmers' places, they're pretty special people," he said. "It's good to give something back. It's just what we do." Mr Schultz will make his deliveries in the hills south of Adelaide, not far from the home of fellow convoy participants Jack and Tanya Traeger, who have deep personal reasons for wanting to be involved. "It's an old truck so I've been sitting [in] it since I was about six months old, so it's good to be driving it. "I think he'd be pretty proud. "It's a great cause and it makes it even more special, more important." Cleve farmer Cassandra Elson said the hay delivery had arrived just in time for the lambs on her property. "I was happy to get out and help today and it's just amazing that it has all come together in the end and we have ended up with something out of it," she said. "It's good to see in this part of the world." Brady Siviour, who farms at Verran near Arno Bay and who applied for support, described the arrival of the fodder as a game changer for his livestock. "We ran out of feed months ago and [it's important] to keep them happy and give them a bit of variation, instead of the grasses so they don't just eat that down to keep their stomachs full," he said. "Some days have been harder than others, and I was a bit emotional when we got approved — I was like, 'far out', and there was a bit of a tear in the eye last night." When it comes to expressing their gratitude, all the farmers have been singing from the same hymn sheet. "I just want to thank our Western Australia counterparts for bringing this hay and taking time out of their busy schedule," Brady said. Elbow Hill's Michael Shakes seconded that motion. "Western Australia's very generous," he said, and he was unequivocal about the impact the hay would have. "We won't have any dead sheep, we'll have live sheep. "That's the main thing."
ABC News
4 days ago
- Climate
- ABC News
Need for Feed Australia truck convoy hits Nullarbor for SA drought relief
Truck-loads of help has arrived in SA's Eyre Peninsula from across the WA border. It's all part of a huge exercise to deliver thousands of bales of hay to areas in the grip of drought.
Times
12-07-2025
- Times
The Australian private island with glorious beaches and a new luxury hotel
When my children were small I employed a series of Australian nannies who could not conceal their disdain for the English seaside. They were not impressed by the pebbly shingle, the murky water or that peculiar institution, the windbreak. At the time I felt rather defensive, but having just been to the spectacular Eyre peninsula in South Australia, where the sand is white, the water clear and the only debris on the beach is the odd nautilus shell, I now understand why to an Australian the English seaside doesn't really cut it. My friend, the writer Miranda Cowley Heller, and I took a propeller plane from Adelaide airport and flew 170 miles west to Port Lincoln, named after the British home of its founder Matthew Flinders, and the biggest town on the Eyre peninsula. It's 40 minutes by plane, seven hours by car. From there we were taken by amphibious vehicle across the bay to Louth Island, where a former sheep station has been turned into a luxury eco hotel called Rumi. The staff lined up holding welcome cocktails as we arrived and trundled up onto the beach, and it all felt very exclusive. There are only five rooms, though the hotel is planning to build villas all over the carefully landscaped island, including one VIP extravaganza with a private pool and its own dock. For now though, Rumi has the charm of an Australian beach café without the oppressive servility of a high-end resort. The island is about 2km long and ringed with the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. It reminded me of a Hebridean island — low lying, virtually treeless, with long white beaches — only this one was about 20 degrees warmer. There were also no insects. Everyone had warned me that Australia was full of poisonous spiders, venomous snakes and traffic-dodging kangaroos, not to mention the great white sharks, but I saw no wildlife on the island apart from Wendy the sea eagle, who perches on the only proper tree. Heroic efforts are being made to restore Louth to its original state after a century of being ravaged by sheep. A party of swagbaggers, working their way across the province and sleeping under the stars, were pulling up thornbushes in return for a free lunch at the hotel. The standard of the food was so good that I think three hours of back-breaking work in the hot sun was probably worth it. The executive chef, Jono Sweet, has just won his second Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat, but his food was as charmingly casual as the hotel — tuna tartare and ceviche of local kingfish, served precisely but without pretension (four-course tasting menu £84). The public rooms — the lobby and café-type restaurant — are plastered in a pinky golden Venetian stucco, and the manager told us that when the owner of the hotel, Che Metcalfe, an Adelaide tech entrepreneur, clapped eyes on his stuccoist, it was love at first sight. The wedding was taking place the following weekend. I can't imagine a more perfect place to get married, particularly when the reception is over and you can have this glorious island to yourself. The highlight of my visit was getting up before dawn and watching the sun rise over a perfect white sandy beach and picking up nautilus shells. Back on the mainland we were taken to Mikkira Station, a nature reserve which, like Louth, used to be a sheep station. You can walk through the eucalyptus and gum trees and spot koalas stretched in the forks of the trees, fast asleep. Our guide, Rebecca, told us they were a bit livelier at night, but these guys looked as though they had taken a permanent chill pill. There was a mob of kangaroos as well, including a mother feeding her joey. I hadn't realised until I got close that the kangaroo's tail is like a fifth limb; when the males fight each other they rear up on them, using them like pogo sticks. We looked around the original sheep rancher's hut from the 1840s, with its corrugated iron roof. Some rather incongruous pink nerines were flowering outside the hut, planted perhaps by some long ago rancher's wife, trying to add a little colour to khaki bush. We visited the oyster farm at Coffin Bay (named after a person not an artefact), where we were taught how to shuck oysters properly, and then ate them with chilli and lime as we drank the local pink sparkling wine — both were delicious (tour, six oysters and glass of wine £31pp; In Port Lincoln we had breakfast in one of the town's many cafés, which in London or New York would have had round-the-block queues of hipsters lining up for its astonishing pastry creations. After my 'escargot' croissant filled with praline rather than snails — named for its shape rather than its filling — I needed a swim in the harbour, where a shark net protects you from the beasts of the deep. Port Lincoln is one of the few places in the world where you can commune with great whites underwater by cage diving, which is lovely if you like that sort of thing. • Read our full guide to Australia The Eyre peninsula is known as the place where the 'outback meets the sea', and the combination of perfect beach and indigenous wildlife — not to mention the spectacular food and drink — means that you can cover a lot of Australian bases in just a few days. The first thing that every South Australian tells you about their state is, 'We are free settled, you know.' I confess that before coming here I had no idea what 'free settled' signified in Australia, but now I do. It's a crucial part of this region's identity — that its first European settlers came here out of choice, rather than on convict ships. The second fact that everyone wants you to know is that the capital of South Australia, Adelaide, is a city of churches. That is pretty much self-evident as there seems to be a place of worship on every block, but perhaps more appealing in a godless age is that Adelaide is placed in the top ten best planned cities in the world according to Architectural Digest. The centre is laid out on a 2km-wide grid system with broad streets and public squares and is entirely surrounded by parkland, which contains the fabulous Adelaide Botanic Garden and the zoo. Although its founder, Captain William Light, might be surprised by the number of casinos in his city, the centre still has pockets of mid-Victorian charm. As someone who spent five or so years steeped in this period while writing the TV drama Victoria, it was a vibe I recognised. I was in Adelaide for the Writers' Week, which forms part of the Adelaide Festival — the biggest cultural festival in the southern hemisphere, which takes place in February in the ring of parks that surround the centre of the city. Imagine the buzz of Edinburgh in August except with perfect weather and no tourists — oh, and Adelaide is pretty flat and the trams are free — and you get the idea. Plus the standard of the food and drink is really world class, from the 27-course indigenous tasting menu at Restaurant Botanic (27-course tasting menu from £152; to the laid-back African/Australian fusion cuisine at Africola served up by the South African chef Duncan Welgemoed (three courses from £41; I was there for two weeks and I didn't have a single disappointing meal. The most memorable was a festival pop-up called the Garden of Unearthly Delights which lived up to its name with long tables set up in a grove of eucalyptus trees ( I sat next to some primary school teachers who had made a five-hour drive because they were fans of the chef. 'In SA the chefs are rock stars,' they said. You have only to walk around the covered market in the centre of Adelaide with its panoply of luscious local produce to understand why South Australia is such a foodie paradise. We stayed at the Eos hotel, which has a magnificent rooftop bar and a cavernous casino. Every morning I would see bleary-eyed men trying to work the lift buttons after a night on what the Australians call the pokies (slot machines). It's also where the stars stay when they do the festival — I spotted Graham Norton. My room was vast with a marble bathroom and a balcony overlooking the cricket ground. But the high point for me was the incredible crowds at the Writers' Week. All the events are free and I must have had an audience of over 400 people for my talk about Maria Callas. I have never sold so many books. I celebrated afterwards at the Exeter, a traditional Aussie pub which just happens to be the third highest consumer of Krug champagne in the world — they drink it in pint glasses. Perhaps I am biased, but it seems to me that the people of South Australia have very good taste. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Daisy Goodwin was a guest of the South Australia Tourist Board ( Rumi on Louth Luxury Eco Resort, which has B&B doubles from £303 ( Eos by Sky City, which has B&B doubles from £192; and Hotel Indigo, which has B&B doubles from £115 ( Fly to Adelaide
ABC News
10-07-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
Storm damages historic causeway but farmers still await 'miraculous recovery'
Wild weather across South Australia has damaged coastal infrastructure but farmers will need far more rain in coming months if the state's current grain crop is to secure a "miraculous recovery", a leading grower says. A cold front pushed across South Australia on Wednesday, causing a storm surge and bringing strong winds and rain over agricultural areas. The front was part of a more protracted burst of wild weather that has kept emergency services busy this week. The weather has damaged powerlines and brought down trees, including at Williamstown, where a 70-year-old man had to be cut free from a ute on Tuesday. In the past three days, rainfall totals have exceeded 30 millimetres on Eyre and Yorke peninsulas and in the Mid North, 40mm on Kangaroo Island and 80mm in the Adelaide Hills. But the Riverland and Murraylands received far less — with the Bureau of Meteorology recording totals of only a few millimetres in the former, and just over 10mm in the latter. Along the Fleurieu Peninsula, the stone causeway leading to the heritage-listed Second Valley jetty received significant damage on Wednesday. "It's now got a hole through the middle of it so people can't get out to the jetty itself," Yankalilla Mayor Darryl Houston told ABC Radio Adelaide. "The jetty stood up well but the causeway is now badly damaged and being fenced off so people can't access it." It is not the first time the causeway has been impacted by storms — Mr Houston said it had been "slightly damaged" earlier this winter, and a similar hole appeared in 2023. Several South Australian jetties have been destroyed by storms this winter, and Mr Houston said repairing the Second Valley causeway would be a "quite a big job". "The Department of Transport were out there last week looking at it and are on it already but now there's been further damage," he said. "Because it's heritage-listed, of course, with the stonework — that's another complication. Only certainly people can work on it." Jetties and roads have been closed along parts of Eyre Peninsula, and the Far West Aboriginal Sporting Complex was surrounded by saltwater as huge tides rolled in. "At Port Lincoln wharf we got up to about 2.4 metres at high tide," the Bureau of Meterology's Christie Johnson said. "The normal highest sort of tide we would get without the storm surge is about two metres, so we got 40 centimetres above that." The road leading to the Smoky Bay boat ramp has been cut off, and water has inundated local oyster sheds. "Last night I was made aware there was some trouble down at Smoky Bay down at the oyster leases in their sheds," Ceduna Mayor Ken Maynard said. "It flooded and caused a concern with electricity." While the rain may have been music to the ears of some of the state's farmers, Grain Producers SA chair John Gladigau said the patchy falls were "widespread but not huge in quantity". Mr Gladigau said subsoils were mostly dry, and that the strong winds that had accompanied the rain had been "devastating to emerging crops". "In the Mallee, my farm only had three millimetres of rain to the 28th of May, for the year, and then had 18 millimetres for June and literally as that crop was emerging got the horrible dust storms of two-to-three weeks ago. "A week followed and it re-emerged again and then got hit a second time this week." Mr Gladigau said some farmers were already having conversations about whether to treat the current season as a write-off. "If we had above-average rainfall for the next three-to-four months — and I'm talking significantly above — there's a chance, a very slight chance of getting average crops in some places," he said. Earlier this year, the state government announced drought relief funding for $55 million would flow to communities in desperate need of support. The funding came on top of $18 million announced in November. SA Dairyfarmers' Association president Robert Brokenshire said that the arrival of winter had not led to an end of the dry spell, and that farmers were now contending with a "green drought" in which accessing fodder would be a big challenge. "The feed won't grow when it's this cold, even though it's wet," he said. "We need our grain growers as well because we buy a lot of grain off of them and also we buy a lot of hay off of them. "I'm just not sure where the fodder supplies are going to come from, and that's unprecedented."
