The Communicator - Summer 2015

THE

Communicator

Summer 2015

Latest News Opening of Stage - 1: “EDEN” The first stage of the Two Wells development ‘Eden’ was launched on the 12 November.

It is the first of two Villages planned for Two Wells by Land Australia which is part of the Hickinbotham Group.

Following 7 years of close collaboration between the Council, the Hickinbotham Group, the State Government and the community, Eden will provide a diverse range of housing options to suit both the small and larger family with larger blocks from 1200 square metres to 1 hectare so as to accommodate for country style living.

The entire development is a $1.225 billion dollar project expanding the Two Wells Township with the creation of two villages - Eden and Liberty. It will create more than 3000 jobs in the region during the next 20 years in industries that include retail, commercial, health, manufacturing and agriculture and provide a much needed source of labour for the area’s horticultural industry.

• A road network will connect the existing town centre with the future growth area.

• Implementation of a wastewater treatment plant with provisions to use reclaimed water to irrigate parks & reserves.

• Introducing a Birth to 12 school with recreation facilities that will be available for the wider community to use.

• Provisions for flood mitigation infrastructure will be in place.

• Parks, wetlands, play spaces and green belts... all these will see Two Wells thrive and become a welcoming, vibrant community that will support our future generations

Mayor, Kennington Mayor Kennington recently announced: “With regret I find that on health grounds I must tender my resignation as Mayor District Council of Mallala, effective Friday 27th November.

I commend the tireless efforts of the council staff and the selfless efforts of the volunteers of the district. I wish our district all the best into the future” Mayor Kennington has been an active Elected Member representing Lewiston Ward for over 7 years.

His passion for his community saw him successfully lead the elected body commencing in 2012 until November 2015.

During his time with Council he has demonstrated compassion, advocacy and a willingness to connect with our diverse community. His humor and good nature will be missed.

Please note: Councillor, Strudwicke remains Acting Mayor. Council will provide information to the community once a timeframe for a by election has been set’.

At time of printing the Pinery Fire has swept through our district leaving many devasted by its destruction. It has burnt out approximately 85,000 ha of land in the Balaklava/Roseworthy/ Mallala areas. Sadly there have been fatalities as a result of this fire. The fire has destroyed houses, outbuildings and affected businesses.

Our deepest sympathy goes to all affected. The website below provides information regarding assistance and advice.

www.sa.gov.au

Your Councillors

Australia Day Breakfast

Lewiston Ward

Tuesday 26th January 2016 - 8am

Cr Karen McColl

PO Box 18. Mallala 5502 Mob 0433 222 874 Email karenm@malalla.sa.gov.au

Cr Tom Summerton

1 Aunger Rd, Lewiston 5501 Tel (08) 8524 3385 Email toms@mallala.sa.gov.au

Cr Anne Picard

PO Box 18, Mallala 5502 Tel (08) 8524 3186 Mob 0438 443 186 Email annep@mallala.sa.gov.au

Dublin Ward Cr Marcus Strudwicke (Acting Mayor)

Two Wells Community Centre A FREE fully cooked breakfast will be served from 8am Australia Day Ambassador – special guest Dr Deane Hutton (former curiosity show) Formal proceedings are set to commence at 9am with presentations made to the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Project of the Year and Group of the Year.

A Citizenship Ceremony will also be included in the celebrations.

ALL WELCOME Please bring a chair and a hat/shade

- Deputy Mayor

4 Dublin Rd, Mallala 5502 Tel (08) 8527 2046 Mob 0407 392 191

Cr Terry-Anne Keen

PO Box 118, Dublin 5502 Tel (08) 8520 2049 Mob 0407 971 022 Email terry-annk@mallala.sa.gov.au

Cr Steve Jones

C/- Post Office, Lower Light 5501 Mob 0447 947 577 Email stevej@mallala.sa.gov.au

ANTIQUES

ROADSHOW On Tuesday 27 October 2015 the Library hosted our own version of the “Antiques Roadshow” TV show. We were fortunate that antiques expert Paul Bartlett was willing to appraise and evaluate family treasures.

Two Wells Ward Cr P M (Joe) Daniele

Over hundred people attended this event at the Two Wells Bowling Club. It proved to be so popular that Library staff were inundated with phone calls and requests for tickets – in fact it was sold out two weeks early!

Cr Mel Lawrence

Paul was both informative and entertaining and the audience certainly learnt a lot about the fascinating world of antiques. He spoke about the history and valuation of the numerous family heirlooms that our guests brought in.

Of course it would have been wonderful to hear that one of the guest’s hidden treasure was worth a million dollars or more but as Paul explained the chance of that happening was highly unlikely!

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this event, we are hoping Paul Bartlett will come back to the District Council of Mallala in 2016!

8 Old Port Wakefield Rd, Two Wells 5501 Tel (08) 8520 2233 Email jod@mallala.sa.gov.au

PO Box 634, Two Wells 5501 Mob 0432 939 446 Email melvillel@mallala.sa.gov.au

Cr Eddie Stubing

52 Smith Rd, Middle Beach 5501 Tel (08) 8520 3419 Mob 0428 824 712 Email eddies@mallala.sa.gov.au

Caring for pets during

Fireworks

Summer Season

Unfortunately many animals are terrified by fireworks displays, which can indirectly pose risks to animal safety by causing them to take flight and try to escape the noise. Dogs and horses in particular may try to run away, sometimes injuring themselves in the process. Council receives calls from distressed owners whose dogs have run away. Often they are found several kilometres from home. Dogs have also been known to jump through plate glass windows to escape loud noises, and easily jump over, or dig their way under fences that would normally contain them.

What can I do for my dog?

• Prepare early; • Talk to your vet about the treatment options available for managing noise phobias – ask them about any new treatment options; • Exercise your dog before the fireworks start, eg. take for a reasonably long walk, then after a couple of hours feed a meal. A tired and well-fed dog will be less anxious during the night. If you can, stay home to be with your pet; • Let your dog be with you and try to be calm and normal.

Avoid fussing over your pet excessively but try to engage them in normal activities such as playing. Reward your dog for their calm behaviour, eg. with treats or favourite toys; • Close the blinds/curtains, create a comfortable hiding place and allow your dog to go where they feel safe. Put on some music or the TV to help mask the noise outside, and distract your dog with games and food; • Dogs who panic can choke themselves on a collar or lead, so never tether your dog during these times and never use a choke chain for restraint; • Make sure your dog is micro-chipped and that your contact details are up to date on the micro-chip register.

Also ensure they are wearing an ID tag so they can be easily returned if they escape; • Direct supervision is important to help prevent injury or escape. If you cannot supervise your dog on the night consider making alternative arrangements so they will be supervised by a responsible person directly, or consider boarding your dog so they will be safe.

What about horses, cats, rabbits and other pets?

Horses are particularly vulnerable to bolting when exposed to fireworks. If possible they should be securely stabled, or removed to a different location away from the fireworks display, to minimise risk of physical harm. Remove any sharp objects that might injure a panicking animal, cover stable windows to hide the sight of fireworks and reduce the noise, and make sure you supply plenty of food and water.

Cats should be kept indoors during fireworks displays. Most cats will find somewhere safe to hide and will usually venture out when the noise stops. Make sure your cat is micro-chipped and your contact details are up to date on the micro-chip register.

Rabbits and other small animals like guinea pigs should be safely housed during fireworks displays.

The Dangers of a Wandering Dog Dogs that wander on the streets or in public areas are deemed as wandering at large. These dogs are often lost and distressed and can cause a nuisance.

In some cases they may attack or harass people or other animals. They may also cause road accidents resulting in injury to the dog and on occasions to vehicle occupants. They may also cause property damage – all of which become the responsibility of the owner of the dog.

Dogs usually escape and wander as a result of inadequate fencing or a gate left open. Council may apply penalties to the owner of a dog deemed to be wandering at large.

If you lose your dog please contact Council as soon as possible with a description of the dog and your contact details. Your dog may already have been collected and placed in the Council pound. If not, Council can advise you if someone has found or has seen your dog.

If you locate a dog please contact Council as the identity of the owner may be available on Council records and obtained by details linked to a dog tag or microchip implanted on the dog. If the owner cannot be contacted a Council Officer is able to impound the dog in the Council dog pound. This ensures that the dog is secure, under shelter and with food and water available.

When a dog has been impounded by a Council Officer, every effort is made to contact the owner so the dog can be returned.

Summer Season Library News Here are some simple things you can do to reduce the impact of extreme heat: •

Stay Hydrated – you should drink two to three litres of water a day even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid “fizzy”, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks and do not take salt tablets (unless instructed to by a doctor)

•

Dress For Summer – lightweight, light coloured clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain a normal temperature

•

Check On Those At Risk – visit at-risk individuals such as the sick and elderly at least twice a day and keep an eye on children. Watch for signs of heat-related illness

•

Minimise Sun Exposure – keep out of the sun as much as possible. If you must be in the sun, wear a shirt, hat and sunglasses. Also make sure you wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which limits the body’s ability to cope with heat

•

Prepare Your Home – Prepare your home early.

Service or replace your air conditioner BEFORE you need it. Curtains, awnings and blinds can also help to keep the home cool

Indeed, many people would be surprised at recent findings from Macquarie University risk scientist Lucinda Coates and her colleagues that extreme heat has been responsible for over half of all listed natural hazard fatalities in Australia from 1900 to 2011.

•

Make Use Of Air Conditioning – if you don’t have air conditioning, make use of public facilities such as shopping centres, art galleries, cinemas or other air-conditioned buildings.

Portable fans are also useful in drawing in cool air, or exhausting warm air from a room

Nationally states and territories are responding to the challenge and are examining how to better manage heatwave risks.

•

Remember Your Pets – pets can be particularly vulnerable to the heat. Make sure they have shade and plenty of cool water to last the day

•

Seek Medical Advice If Necessary – for medical advice telephone Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222. For immediate medical assistance telephone 000

Are You Prepared For The Heat This Summer?

Whist many Australians have firsthand experience of the impact and effects of extreme temperatures, there are many who remain unconvinced that there is actually an issue or that they personally should do anything to prepare.

In South Australia, the State Emergency Service (SES) plays an important and unique role as Hazard Leader and Control Agency for extreme heat. It partners with a host of government and non-government organisations to improve understanding of risk, increase community resilience and preparedness and minimise impacts during heatwave events.

The SES is responsible for issuing Extreme Heat warnings to the community when predetermined triggers are met.

With global warming resulting in rising temperatures, extreme heat events, resulting in summer heatwaves will become more common and a part of life in Australia.

It is important that we prepare for heatwaves to ensure that we stay safe and well during these times.

Fire Danger Season Fire Danger Season:

1 November 2015 to 30 April 2016

Permit Burning:

1 March 2016 to 30 April 2016

Property Inspections: From early October 2015 ongoing through

out the Fire Danger Season.

Summer Season

Fire Prevention

Pursuant to the Fire & Emergency Services Act 2005, the owners of private land in the country must take reasonable steps to protect property on the land from fire and to prevent or inhibit the outbreak of fire on the land, or the spread of fire through the land, and minimise the threat to human life from a fire on the land.

Council will be inspecting properties within the Council area from early October onwards, to assess compliance with CFS requirements. Property owners issued with a Bushfire Hazard Reduction Compliance Notice are required to comply with the requirements of that notice within the required time indicated. If the required work is not completed Council may organise a contractor to perform the work, at the owners expense, and may take further legal action.

PLEASE NOTE: Council is able to issue an Expiation Notice for the offence of not complying with the requirements of Bushfire Hazard Reduction Compliance Notices. The current fee for the Expiation Notice is $315.

CFS Requirements: •

Vacant town blocks are required to have all dry flammable material reduced to a maximum height of 10cm by means of slashing/mowing/removing and maintained throughout the Fire Danger Season.

•

House blocks are required to have all dry flammable material reduced to a maximum height of 10cm by means of slashing/mowing/removing and maintained throughout the Fire Danger Season.

•

Larger blocks (more than 1 hectare) will require a firebreak, slashed or mowed to a maximum height of 10cm to a minimum width of 5 metres around the property boundary, and with a minimum width of 20 metres around any building or asset on the property. This must also be maintained throughout the Fire Danger Season.

• All flammable material must be stored in a safe manner.

Dogs Die in Hot Cars Do not leave your dog in a vehicle. Pets can overheat even when the windows are down or the car is in the shade.

How fast does the temperature rise in a car?

Temperatures in a car can rise to dangerous levels and can rapidly reach more than double the outside temperature even on mild days. Tinting, parking in the shade or leaving the windows open do not help to reduce the inside temperature significantly.

Symptoms of heat stress

Dogs suffering from heat stress may pant, drool and become restless. Over time, they become weak and the colour of their gums may change; they may also start to stagger and experience vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures.

Vet treatment is essential Heat stroke is an emergency. Given the seriousness of this condition, it is better to be safe than sorry and have your dog checked out by a vet.

Some dogs may suffer more than others Dogs with short faces (such as pugs and bulldogs) can suffer in the heat because they find it difficult to breath.

Obese and aged dogs are also at greater risk, as are those with heart disease and thick coats.

Ute trays can burn

Dogs travelling on the back of utes can burn their footpads or bodies on the tray as these can get very hot in the sun.

If you own a ute you should cover the trays with a suitable material and provide a shaded area. Severe penalties apply

Please have an ongoing maintenance program to keep your property fire safe.

Causing animals to suffer in any way is a criminal offence. If your dog suffers as a result of being left in a car, you can be fined and spend time in jail.

Council thanks property owners and occupiers for the attention they put towards fire safety. Who knows, it may be your own home you save.

If you see a dog suffering in a hot car, contact your local RSPCA immediately. RSPCA South Australia: www.rspcasa.org.au

Library News

Robots, Gizmos and Gadgets Would you like to interact with robots and gadgets? Would you like to learn about technology? Then come and join the fun in a robotics workshop.

Library Bags

Tuesday 19 January 1.30 - 3.30 p.m.

Two Wells Council Chambers Two Wells Please note: This workshop is aimed at children aged 7+ years. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

GS N I K O L! O B A I T N E S Tel 8520 2100 ES Email: library@mallala.sa.gov.au

Library Hours Over Christmas Two Wells

Closing Thursday 24 December 1pm Opening Tuesday 5 January 9.30am

Mallala

Closing: Wednesday 23 December 12noon Opening: Wednesday 6 January 10am

Windsor

Open as normal JP Service not available: 26 December & 2 January

Two Wells Public Library Phone: 8520 2100 Email: library@mallala.sa.gov.au

Give the Gift of Reading Sadly, many children living in financial disadvantage will not receive a gift this Christmas.

The Smith Family's Toy & Book Appeal is an opportunity to help bring a smile to a disadvantaged child's face this Christmas.

The Smith Family has a long and proud association with Christmas. The organisation was founded in 1922 when five businessmen decided to deliver toys to orphans on Christmas Eve. This year, The they aim to deliver more than 23,500 new books to children in need around Australia.

This gesture of goodwill ensures that all Australian families can come together at Christmas to share books.

BUS

2

Youth Stuff

S E LI

O O H C S

2015

www.headspace.org.au

F riday F licks

in February Proudly sponsored by

FREE Outdoor Cinema - 8pm (or when dark) Bring your blanket and pillow, deck chair or bean bag and enjoy a movie!

Popcorn & canteen facilities available

For more info Tel 8527 0200 email info@mallala.sa.gov.au

Friday 12 February

Friday 19 February

Friday 26 February

Despicable Me 2

The Croods

Home

TWO WELLS OVAL

MALLALA OVAL

TWO WELLS OVAL

Community News

Communit y 2016

TIMETABLE

Each year our nation celebrates the achievement and contribution of eminent Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards by profiling leading citizens who are role models for us all. They inspire us through their achievements and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better Australia.

The Australian of the Year Awards provides all Australians with the opportunity to recognise someone who makes them proud.

15 JAN 19 FEB 18 MAR 15 APR 20 MAY 17 JUN 15 JUL 19 AUG 16 SEP 21 OCT 18 NOV 16 DEC

Bus The District Council of Mallala provides a monthly Bus Service to the Elizabeth Shopping Centre on the third Friday of the month.

Bookings are essential. Tel 8520 2233 or Mob 0409 052 103 Travel costs $5 return trip.

Children travel for FREE (must be accompanied by parent/caregiver)

Nominations are now open for the Australian of the Year Awards 2016 with four categories:

Citizenship Ceremonies

•

Australian of the Year – open to all Australians who deserve recognition for their extraordinary achievements, contributions to the community and nation and who are exemplary ambassadors for Australia.

•

Senior Australian of the Year – recognises those Australians aged 60 years and over who continue to achieve and contribute to the community

Citizenship is a common bond which unites all Australians, whether they are the traditional inhabitants, first generation migrants or the descendants of our early settlers. Our rich heritage stems from the contributions made by us all.

Citizenship ceremonies are special events. They fulfil requirements under Australian citizenship law and provide an important opportunity to officially welcome new citizens as full members of the Australian community.

• Young Australian of the Year – recognises those

extraordinary young Australians aged 16-30

years who are contributing to the community: and •

Australia’s Local Hero – recognises Australians who make a real difference in their local communities whose outstanding contributions enrich the lives of those around them.

Nominations are being sought for Australians excelling in all fields of endeavour including arts, media and entertainment, business, charity, education, environment, indigenous/ethnic services, medicine/science, engineering /technology and sport.

To nominate, or find out more about the Australian of the Year Awards please visit the website www.australianoftheyear.org.au or contact the Australia Day Council of South Australia on 8463 5436

To reflect the significance of the occasion, Council conducts four Citizenship Ceremonies each year (pending applicants)

26th Jan - Australia Day; 21st March - Harmony Day 9th July - Constitution Day and 17th September - Australian Citizenship Day

With the exception of Australia Day, where any of these dates fall on a weekend, the ceremony will be held on the next working day.

Applicants may also be given the opportunity to participate in ceremonies conducted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on Australian Citizenship Day at the discretion of the department. Ceremonies will be conducted by the Mayor unless otherwise specified and with the exception of Australia Day. Private ceremonies may be arranged at the discretion of the CEO and Mayor.

Further information about citizenship can be found by contacting the Department of Immigration and Citizenship www.immi.gov.au/ or phone 13 18 80

Waste & Recycling Waste Transfer Stations Closure times over Christmas/New Year 2015-16 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur 20/12 21/12 22/12 23/12 24/12

Tue 5/01

Two Wells

Normal Hours

Closed

Open 1.30pm 3.30pm

Closed

Closed

Closed

Mallala

Normal Hours

Closed

Closed

Open 8.30am 10.30am

Closed

Closed

TWO WELLS Wed Sat Sun

1.30pm - 3.30pm 8.00am - 10.00am 10.30am - 12.30pm

The Nawma Waste Transfer Station: Bellchambers Rd, Edinburgh North will be open every day during this time except for Christmas Day, New Years Day & All Mondays

MALLALA Thurs Sat Sun

1.30pm - 3.30pm 10.30am - 12.30pm 8.00am - 10.00am

Normal opening hours begin: Two Wells Transfer Station Wednesday 6 January 2016 Mallala Resource Recovery Thursday 7 January 2016

Australia’s agvet chemical container recycling program drumMUSTER has been relaunched in Mallala with more opportunities to dispose of agvet chemical drums.

Allan McGann, drumMUSTER’s National Program Manager, is delighted that to report that local farmers can now deliver their empty drums throughout the year, rather than on a few set days.

“The District Council of Mallala is one of hundreds of councils across the country that provides the drumMUSTER service to ratepayers.

Farmers and other chemical users benefit by easily being able to offload drums before they become an environmental problem on their land.”

The Mallala Resource Recovery Centre on Limerock Road now receives drums every Thursday afternoon excluding public holidays. Booking are essential and can be made by calling Allan Smith, Team Leader of Waste Services at the District Council of Mallala, on Mobile 0428 400 111.

Mr Smith said, “Council is pleased to be able to offer this service on an ongoing basis to allow community members more opportunities to recycle their containers.”

“For the Council, having an ongoing service instead of a specific day for collections means that the collection area can be cleared more regularly, creating a cleaner and safer working area and decreasing WHS issues due to better housekeeping. Council is proactive when it comes to new initiatives that promote recycling and reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfill.”

Good news all round is that with the increased use of returnable packaging arrangements for 110 litre (enviro) and 1,000 litre (IBC) containers, the number of single trip drums being used by farmers is declining. Unfortunately, there is also growing evidence to suggest that some farmers are once again burying or burning their drums.

We encourage farmers not to become complacent by diverting small amounts of drums into the on-farm tip or by burning them. Take the opportunity to use the drumMUSTER service and dispose of your drums as you go.

Since 1999, drumMUSTER has collected more than 26.3 million drums across Australia, including 3.7 million in South Australia.

Mr McGann said, “We commend the District Council of Malalla on their commitment to drumMUSTER and for increasing the options for local users to dispose of their clean chemical containers. When farmers miss an annual collection, they can get a build-up of containers that becomes difficult to manage. The new service implemented by Malalla Council is similar to that of other councils in the region.

For further information, call 1800 008 707 or log on to www.drummuster.com.au or www.mallala.sa.gov.au.

Environmental

Acacia Cyclops

replacement program Parham and Middle Beach Acacia cyclops is one of many native species of plants that are considered environmental weeds when numbers increase outside of their natural range east of Ceduna.

A.cyclops is considered an environmental weed due to its tendency to form dense thickets that suppress the growth of indigenous vegetation through shading and competition.

Originally introduced through re-revegetation programs, and as a popular garden species, A.cyclops is now considered a priority weed species in many locations within the Mount Lofty Ranges and within the Gulf St Vincent region.

In 2014/15 the Aboriginal Learning on Country team were engaged to map A.cyclops along the Northern Adelaide Coast line. This mapping has formed the basis for a replacement program that will be implemented over the coming years in Parham and Middle Beach with the support of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board. Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges.

The replacement program commenced in August 2015 with over 900 plants placed in the ground and A.cyclops treated in some areas. The long term aim of this program is to replace every A.cyclops that is treated with 4 – 5 local indigenous plants. To ensure the success of the program it will be undertaken over take a number of years in a staged process.

european

What if you are STUNG?

Wasp The European wasp is native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia but not Australia. Its first recorded sighting in Australia was in 1959. The first nest destroyed in South Australia was in Port Adelaide in 1978. The European wasp is now well established in metropolitan Adelaide and has reached some country areas.

The EUROPEAN wasp, is most easily identifiable by: • Its BLACK and YELLOW body; • Its YELLOW legs; and • TRIANGULAR markings on the abdomen.

While the European wasp is the same SIZE as the bee (10 – 15mm), it is less hairy and folds it’s wings back at rest.

Wasps can STING repeatedly.

The sting results in fiery pain and RED SWELLING.

First AID

• APPLY ice/cold pack to sting • Take oral analgesics if SEVERE pain Stings to FACE or neck or multiple stings may lead to severe swelling and/or allergic reaction. If this occurs and/or the person has DIFFICULTY BREATHING contact an ambulance, hospital or doctor.

YOUR food, is their food European wasps are scavengers and are attracted to SWEET foods and MEAT. DO NOT aggravate a European wasp If a European wasp is aggravated it may STING. Unlike the bee, a European wasp can sting MULTIPLE times.

If left undisturbed the European wasp is NOT AGGRESSIVE to humans or other animals. If a nest is disturbed, the wasps release a chemical which triggers the wasps to defend the nest.

If in doubt seek immediate MEDICAL ADVICE. For information on FIRST AID treatment and wasp stings, contact the Poisons Information Centre.

Country or City Phone 13 11 26

DO NOT

disturb nests

Proposed remediation of Salt Creek In September 2010 the Salt Creek Boat Ramp was officially opened. The completion of the dual lane, floating pontoon style ramp was the result of ongoing lobbying from local community members. Funding was provided by both Federal and State Government, and the District Council of Mallala to construct and install the boat ramp.

Excavation & Filling in the Gawler River Flood Plain Council wishes to provide residents and land owners with clarification regarding activities of excavation and depositing of fill (soil/dirt etc) within the Gawler River Flood Plain (as delineated by Council’s Development Plan). This particularly affects properties located within the Two Wells and Lewiston areas.

All land owners and residents within the district are advised that in South Australia any excavation and/or filling of land, or the forming of a levee or mound within the flood plain, requires Council approval under the Development Act 1993. The only occasion when approval is not required is when the excavation and/or filling is: • Incidental to the ploughing or tilling of the land for the purpose of agriculture, or • Incidental to the installation, repair or maintenance of any underground services, or • On or within a public road or public road reserve, or • In the event of an emergency in order to protect life or property or to protect the environment Council strongly recommends that any person interested in excavating and/or filling within the flood plain contacts Council to clarify if approval is required before they undertake any work.

Recently, enforcement action has been undertaken against property owners who have been responsible for excavation and/or filling in the flood plain without obtaining the necessary development approval. The possible penalties for undertaking such work without having obtained the appropriate development approval may include: • a direction to remove the unauthorised fill • a direction to ‘fill in’ the unauthorised excavation • criminal prosecution for undertaking illegal development work • criminal conviction and a maximum fine of $120,000 Preliminary contact with Council before undertaking any work will assist in reducing the possibility of the above penalties being imposed. Council can also assist in outlining the type of information required to be submitted with a development application.

Prior to the 1960s the creek was used to moor deep-keeled yachts, and as the local swimming hole and beach for the wider Mallala community. Over a number of years the channel of Salt Creek has become shallow as a result of tidal sand movement. Sand and dead sea weed often accumulates in and around the boat ramp. At times only 4WD vehicles can access the western concrete ramp without becoming bogged. Attempts to regularly scrape away this material have proved costly.

In early 2013 Council resolved to form the Salt Creek Remediation Working Party (SCRWP). The objective of the SCRWP was to consider options and proposals that will remediate and enhance the recreational use of Salt Creek between the boat ramp and the outer edge of Middle Beach lagoon, a distance of approximately 400 metres.

SCRWP membership comprises of Councillor Steve Jones, Councillor Eddie Stubing, Barb Reid (Mallala Foreshore Advisory Committee, MFAC), Malcolm Frost (Two Wells Regional Action Team, TWRAT), Dave Williams (community representative), and John Drexel (Chairman and MFAC member). Council staff have provided administrative support.

To date the SCRWP have commissioned the sampling of the creek bed material to determine its chemical composition, surveys to determine map the existing channel profile, and an investigation of any indigenous cultural interest in the area.

The SCRWP have also undertaken preliminary discussions with the University of South Australia to engage Civil Engineering students in the remediation project. The idea is to provide the students with a real-life exercise that counts significantly towards the award of their Honours degree, while at the same time provides valuable information to the SCRWP team at a fraction of the cost of employing contractors.

The SCRWP invites organisations and individuals willing to provide advice and assistance in progressing this project to a successful outcome. .

Background information on the project, including a PowerPoint briefing and further detail on the proposed student projects, is available on the DCM website at: http://www.mallala.sa.gov.au/sitedata/unity/resources/ files/Salt%20Creek%20Remediation%20Working%20Party.pdf

Closure times over

Christmas & New Year Council Offices will be closed from 1pm Thursday 24 December 2015 resuming operations from 9am Monday 4 January 2016.

For all Emergencies please call 8527 0200

DID YOU KNOW...

KERBSIDE COLLECTIONS Recycling Monday 28 December - Public Holiday Collection will be on Tuesday 29 December Tuesday 29 December - Collection will be on Wednesday 30 December Wednesday 30 December - Collection will be on Thursday 31 December Thursday 31 December - Collection will be on Thursday 31 December Friday 1 January - Public Holiday - No Collection Normal Collection times will return on Monday 4 January 2016

LIBRARY Mallala Public Library will be closed from

Wednesday 23 December 2015 at 12pm Re-opening Wednesday 6 January 2016 at 10am

Two Wells Public Library will be closed from Thursday 24 December 2015 - 1pm Re-opening Tuesday 5 January 2016 - 9.30am

TWO WELLS TRANSFER STATION Monday 21 December – CLOSED Tuesday 22 December - Open 1.30pm - 3.30pm Wednesday 23 December – CLOSED Thursday 24 December - CLOSED

Our Waste Service Truck drives 3,500 kms per week and visits 3000 homes!

It also picks up approx 57 tonne of domestic rubbish!

Re-opening on Wednesday 6 January 2016 at 1.30pm - 3.30pm

MALLALA RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRE Monday 21 December – CLOSED Tuesday 22 December - CLOSED Wednesday 23 December – Open 8.30am - 10.30am Thursday 24 December - CLOSED Re-opening on Thursday 7 January 2016 at 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Windsor Public Library open as normal.

COUNCIL OFFICE - MALLALA 2A Wasleys Rd, Mallala SA 5502 PO Box 18, Mallala SA 5502 Tel (08) 8527 0200

www.mallala.sa.gov.au

Fax: (08) 8527 2242 Email: info@mallala.sa.gov.au

SAcommunity is a directory of South Australian community services.

It includes information about government, non-government, community based and some private sector organisations that provide services for the South Australian community in the areas of health, welfare, housing, education, community participation, information, legal services, arts and recreation.

www.sacommunity.org