News

04 Jun 2025

Report warns Hills properties could become ‘uninsurable’

Mayo has the third-highest climate risk among Federal electorates in Australia, rendering many properties potentially “uninsurable”, according to a recent climate risk analysis report. The report was released by the Climate Council and Climate...

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Fin Dunford

04 Jun 2025

Pathology staff take action over under-payment

Some staff at Clinpath Pathology outlets in the Hills have joined industrial action against parent company Sonic Healthcare, demanding higher wage increases following years of under-payment. The action is being led by the Health Services Union’s...

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Joseph Moore

28 May 2025

Fire fighters battle blaze in gusty conditions

Firefighters from the Lenswood, Lobethal, Woodside and Oakbank Balhannah CFS brigades worked in gusty conditions to contain a grass fire at Lenswood this week. At about 4.10pm on May 25, firefighters attended a Swamp Road property following reports...

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The Courier

28 May 2025

New crossing set to go live

A new signalled pedestrian crossing at Hahndorf could be operational in the coming days providing safer access for strawberry pickers crossing Mt Barker Road. The project is funded by Beerenberg Farm, which has a shop and cafe on Mt Barker Road and...

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Scott Murphy

28 May 2025

Dangerously dry

Authorities are warning Hills residents to not become complacent as drought conditions continue past the end of the official fire danger season. The Mt Barker Council’s fire prevention officer Frank Regan, pictured, said that while some fire bans...

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Scott Murphy

21 May 2025

Sliced apples: growers reeling over tree pruning

Lenswood apple orchards have suffered “mutilation” right before harvest at the hands of an SA Power Networks (SAPN) contractor, with multiple rows of fruit-bearing trees slashed. Apple growers Kym and Lachlan Green, of Ellimatta and Hillview...

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Joseph Moore

14 May 2025

Fears for trees as drought continues

Trees are dying across the Hills and conservationists say drought conditions, disease and invasive species are potentially driving their decline. At the Deanery Reserve near Bridgewater, messmate stringybark trees and other native vegetation are...

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Joseph Moore

14 May 2025

Drought, disease threats loom for apiarists

A Lenswood honey producer says the industry is “incredibly vulnerable” after being severely impacted by drought and the looming threat of varroa mite. Buzz Honey owner Annette Ferris said that a lack of rain was preventing native plants from...

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Fin Dunford

07 May 2025

Concerns over impact of controlled burns

The University of SA (UniSA) has raised concerns about the impact of prescribed burns on reptiles in the Mt Lofty Ranges, including the skink, following the results of a two-year study. The study analysed the health of more than 1750 reptiles from...

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‘Preliminary’ planning underway for busy road upgrade

Preliminary planning is underway for upgrades to one of Mt Barker’s busiest roads, however, details from the State Government remain scant. Upgrades to Adelaide Road were included in the Mt Barker Council’s Road Network Management Action Plan...

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Waterlogged palms replaced

Two palm trees have been removed from Mt Barker’s Emerald Way estate, raising concerns that the area is not suitable for the species. Heavy machinery was used to remove the trees from the corner of Hartmann Road and Emerald Way last week. The...

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Residents push to save heritage trees

Mt Barker residents are calling for developers to “come to their senses”, raising concerns about the proposed removal of heritage-listed trees along Fidler Lane to make way for a $180m, 254-home master-planned estate. The estate proposal...

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