Yorke Peninsula Council is proposing a record $16.8million spend on roads for the 2024-25 financial year.

Elected Members endorsed the draft 2024-2025 Annual Business Plan including the draft 2024-2025 Budget for public consultation at a special meeting on 22 May.

The Annual Business Plan reiterates Council’s commitment to servicing the community, maintaining and establishing key infrastructure, providing local employment and operating with financial sustainability.

Mayor Darren Braund said Council has an extensive 3,890-kilometre road network to maintain.

“In 2024-25 we have allocated $16.8m to our roads which equals 35.6% of our total combined operating and capital budget (excluding depreciation),” Mr Braund said.

“More ratepayer money will be spent on roads than on any other budget item again this year.

“Council has increased its grading operations with the addition of two more operators and additional equipment, along with extensive roadworks planned.”

Council’s capital works budget of $18.6m will be primarily used to renew or upgrade assets, with $3m to be dedicated to new assets including beach shelters, walkways, a playground in Maitland and more.

Other works will include stormwater upgrades across multiple townships, flood mitigation at Corny Point, wastewater treatment plant storage upgrades for Maitland township and upgrades to jetty/diving facilities at Edithburgh.

The budget also includes installation of solar panels and battery storage for the Maitland Council office and creation of the Vietnam War Memorial Trail (both pending grant funding).

Also included is a budget allocation of $282,000 for repairs to Port Vincent Fisherman’s Jetty supported by $197,000 in funding from the South Australian Government through the South Australian Jetties Renewal Program – Stage 1.

“The Annual Business Plan and Budget has been developed in close consultation with Elected Members and key staff,” Mr Braund said.

Public consultation for the Annual Business Plan and Budget will remain open until Thursday, 27 June 2024.

To view the full Annual Business Plan and Budget click HERE.

Interested persons can make written submissions to Yorke Peninsula Council, PO Box 57, Maitland SA 5573, or by emailing admin@yorke.sa.gov.au.

Yorke Peninsula Council will receive about $550,000 to install a new staircase with platforms for divers and snorkelers to improve access and visitor experience at the Edithburgh jetty.

Council was successful in applying to the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program which provides funding to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for capital works projects that deliver community and economic infrastructure projects.

Edithburgh Progress Association will contribute a further $10,000 towards the dive stairs project.

“The community of Edithburgh and surrounds, and the wider diving and snorkelling community in South Australia, has been excited for this project and we are pleased the successful funding has now been announced,” CEO Andrew Cameron said.

“The project will allow safe access to the water for all users and is also specifically designed to benefit divers and snorkellers who frequent Edithburgh jetty as one of Australia’s premier underwater ecosystems.

“Thank you to Council staff who developed this project with the local community and all residents and stakeholders who participated in that planning effort.

“We look forward to now delivering the project which will be a major upgrade for Edithburgh jetty.”

The dive stairs project was developed in collaboration with the local community and key stakeholders.

Consultation was extensive, and included a public co-design workshop held in Edithburgh in November 2022.

The project will create new access stairs on the north side of the jetty, replacing the former northern steps which were decommissioned after being irreparable since 2018, with platforms at different heights to allow easy access for divers regardless of the tides.

The stairs will sit atop a submerged cube structure featuring artificial reef panels to further enhance the underwater ecosystem and appeal to divers and snorkellers.

Edithburgh jetty is considered one of the best diving locations in South Australia, including being ranked first in the state by Diving Adelaide, for its diverse and rare marine life including the pyjama squid and leafy sea dragon.

This is a key reason the jetty is a major tourism driver for Yorke Peninsula, with more than 50,000 visitors per year, a number that grows almost 6% year on year.

Visitor Information Outlet volunteers from throughout Yorke Peninsula attended a training and networking event at Minlagawi-Gum Flat, Minlaton, on Thursday, 23 May.

More than 20 people learned about the latest tourism experiences available locally during the session, hosted by Nharangga Aboriginal Cultural Tours in partnership with Yorke Peninsula Council and Yorke Peninsula Tourism.

Speakers discussed the importance of tourism to the peninsula, and the valuable role played by VIO representatives in providing local information to visitors.

“VIO volunteers are at the forefront of our visitor economy, which is worth $380 million to Yorke Peninsula and growing by eight to 10 per cent every year,” YP Tourism Regional Tourism Manager Jess Greatwich said.

A focus of the day was the growing range of bookable tourism experiences throughout the region, which range from sailing on a Sydney-to-Hobart winning yacht to kids’ farm tours and much more.

Bennett Joy and Keira Lundgren spoke about their new business Lost Tide Spirits, soon opening in Stansbury, and Lianne Cook from Ballara Retreat discussed the many experiences offered from Ballara in Warooka.

Nharangga Aboriginal Cultural Tours a provided morning tea of modern recipes using traditional ingredients such as kangaroo canapes, pepperberry smoked cheese, wattleseed biscuits and quandong cheesecake.

Owner/operator Shane Warrior then discussed Narungga history and the various tourism initiatives his business offers, including yarning circles, wadna (boomerang) throwing, and tours with bush foods lunches.

Business manager Cathy Glazbrook, who led the event as emcee, said tourists who visit VIOs want to feel welcome, speak with knowledgeable staff, receive unbiased information and local secrets they can’t find online.

“Everybody in your community is an advocate for your town,” she said.

“Tourism is everybody’s business.”

Yorke Peninsula Council oversees VIOs in Coobowie, Corny Point, Edithburgh, Maitland, Minlaton, Port Victoria, Port Vincent, Stansbury, Warooka and Yorketown, and also supports the Visitor Information Centres at Ardrossan and Innes National Park.

Guest speakers at the VIO Training Day Cathy Glazbrook and Shane Warrior from Nharangga Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Keira Lundgren and Bennett Joy from Lost Tide Spirit Company, Steph Ball from Ballara and Yorke Peninsula Tourism Regional Tourism Manager Jess Greatwich.

Yorke Peninsula Council celebrated the region’s volunteers with a special morning tea on Tuesday, 21 May.

Mayor Darren Braund hosted more than 100 volunteers at the Minlaton Town Hall as part of National Volunteer Week, 20-26 May.

The morning tea was to recognise people for their dedication and hard work, as well as to provide a relaxed environment and a networking opportunity for volunteers.

This year, Mayor Braund interviewed Maree Anderson (Southern Yorke Peninsula RFDS Support Group) and David Newbold (Minlaton District Community and Sports Centre) as part of the event.

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“National Volunteers Week is the perfect opportunity to extend our gratitude to the amazing volunteers across Yorke Peninsula,” Mr Braund said.

“From organising events to supporting local clubs, assisting in libraries, maintaining our beautiful parks, and helping those in need, volunteers’ contributions make a difference every single day.”

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 was Something for Everyone, recognising the diverse passions and talents everyone brings to the act of volunteering.

Council supports volunteering efforts in a variety of ways including annual allocations to the region’s 32 Progress Associations, sponsorships and donations (subject to applications), event approvals and more.

“Volunteering brings people together, it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone,” Mayor Braund said.

“National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you.”

Up-and-coming silversmith Roxanne Storie of Point Turton has been announced as the recipient of the inaugural Yorke Peninsula Council Art Mentorship.

The mentorship, presented by the YP Arts and Culture Working Group, includes a $5000 grant to support the successful artist in their professional development.

The program offers creative professionals essential funding and support to develop their artistic practice through meaningful mentorship.

The artist-led mentorship connects the recipient with an experienced mentor who has a strong arts practice.

“Roxanne has been passionate about making jewellery since childhood, especially using items she has collected from the beach,” Arts and Cultural Facilitator Sonya Rankine said.

“Nature inspires her work, and she has recently discovered a love for silversmithing.

“Her goal as a silversmith artist is to create eco-friendly pieces from recycled silver and repurposed or hand-collected gemstones.”

Roxanne will be mentored by Jasmine Swales, a well-established silversmith from Marion Bay.

“Jasmine is a small business owner of Studio Surf and Swales Silver, a well-known artist and workshop facilitator,” Ms Rankine said.

“Jasmine’s current focus as a practicing artist is handcrafting silver jewellery with inspiration from the natural world.

“She mainly works with sterling silver and repurposes sea glass using a variety of methods including casting, bezel setting, metal clay, and saw piercing.

“Jasmine is the perfect mentor to guide Roxanne through the inaugural YPC Art Mentorship.”

Yorke Peninsula Council is thrilled to announce Jason Swales as the first recipient of the two-week Artists in Residency program.

The program, made possible by the Council in partnership with the YP Arts & Culture Working Group and the Ballara Art and Lifestyle Retreat, aims to provide a unique opportunity for a local artist to fully immerse themselves in their craft.

The residency will be held at the picturesque Ballara Art and Lifestyle Retreat in Warooka.

“The program emphasises community engagement, allowing the artist in residence to collaborate with the local community, sharing their artistic practices and skills,” Arts and Cultural Facilitator Sonya Rankine said.

“This initiative is designed to foster a deeper connection between artists and the community, enriching the cultural fabric of the region.”

Jason Swales is a self-taught artist from Marion Bay with a passion for the coast and surfing.

“His artwork, primarily focused on coastal scenery and waves, is created using acrylics and pastels and ranges from postcard-sized pieces to large murals,” Ms Rankine said.

“Jason’s residency will not only contribute to his personal artistic development but also enhance his ongoing involvement in painting murals on local infrastructure.

“This opportunity will enable him to build connections with project partners and fellow artists within the region, further strengthening his arts career and community ties.”

During his residency, Jason plans to create a public mural in Warooka and mentor local artists.

“He will also hold wave painting workshops for the community, with a particular focus on engaging young people,” Ms Rankine said.

“The artworks produced in these community workshops will be exhibited locally at the Baker Bros Gallery in Warooka following the residency.

“This program not only highlights the talent within the Yorke Peninsula but also underscores the region’s commitment to fostering and celebrating local arts and culture.”

Jason’s artist residency will take place in June.

The Yorke Peninsula Council’s 5th YorKON Games Convention went off without a glitch, attracting its largest crowd ever.

The recent free two-day event, which was an exhilarating celebration of gaming and pop culture, attracted a crowd of 700 people.

“This event provides the local community, especially young people and their families, with the unique opportunity to engage in a fun and social games event,” Mayor Darren Braund said.

“The two-day convention featured a diverse array of activities, including free play computer games, retro games, arcade games, workshops, tabletop games, a costume competition, and a local collector display.”

“Many of the attendees transformed into incredibly accurate portrayals of characters including a Dalek from Dr Who, Maleficent, Rey from Star Wars and a family of Ghostbusters who all won the best dressed competition.”

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This year, YorKON also included a quiz night which attracted teams of pop culture fanatics wanting to showcase their expertise across gaming and anime genres.

“The convention was a hit with something for all ages to enjoy,” Mayor Darren Braund said.

“I’m pleased so many people supported this unique event and I would like to thank Council staff for making it possible.

This event gets bigger and better each year and Council is excited to see it continue to grow in the future.”

The event’s success was made possible thanks to Council’s event partners, which included Team AvCon, Copper Coast Table Top Gamers, Retrospekt, Little Adventurers, Southern Dewback Garrison – 501st Legion, Cold Creature Art, Ben’s IT Communications, SYP Community Hub, Maitland and District Progress Association, Oh My Grill, Yorke Solar, One More Page, and Bubble Tea Tastic.

Yorke Peninsula Council will hold a free morning tea to thank volunteers during National Volunteers Week.

Mayor Darren Braund is inviting all volunteers across the peninsula to the event, at 10.30am on Tuesday, 21 May in the Minlaton Town Hall.

The morning tea aims to recognise people for their dedication and hard work, as well as to provide a relaxed environment and a networking opportunity for volunteers.

This year, Mayor Braund will interview Maree Anderson (Southern Yorke Peninsula RFDS Support Group) and David Newbold (Minlaton District Community and Sports Centre) as part of the event.

“On behalf of our Council and the community I want to acknowledge and thank every volunteer for their dedication to the region,” Mayor Braund said.

“Without volunteers our communities just wouldn’t function the way they do.

“National Volunteer Week is a fantastic opportunity to show our amazing volunteers how much they are appreciated.”

Yorke Peninsula Council supports volunteering efforts in a variety of ways including annual allocations to Progress Associations, sponsorships and donations (subject to applications), event approvals, community grants and more.

Registrations are required by emailing rsvp@yorke.sa.gov.au or by calling 8832 0000.

A gathering of 300 people attended the Nharangga Cultural Day on Sunday, 5 May.

The celebration of Nharangga dhura (Narungga people), Nharangga banggara (Narungga Country) and culture was held at Minlagawi Gum Flat Reserve, Minlaton.

The event was hosted by Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association and Yorke Peninsula Council, endorsed by Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation, and supported with funding from the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, Country Arts SA and Red Cross.

The event began with a Welcome to Country by Bree and Maddi Warrior and Shanaid Sansbury

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“The crowd were jubilant when Uncle Peter Turner, Clem Newchurch and Pauly Dixon Jnr created fire using fire sticks to enable the Smoking Ceremony,” Environment Officer Letitia Dahl-helm said.

“The entire crowd lined up to walk through the cleansing smoke whilst enjoying glorious Wild Dog songs performed by Sonya Rankine in Narungga language,”

“A panel session led by Sonya Rankine to hear the Narungga voices of Auntie Lesley Wanganeen, Uncle Eddie Newchurch, Kylie O’Loughlin, Clem Newchurch, Jemika Wanganeen and Uncle Dookie O’Loughlin was a crowd highlight.

“Participants enjoyed delicious food featuring traditional ingredients and wattle seed tea from Nharangga Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Newchurch Family Farm, Auntie Daphne Rickett and Rick Slager.”

Narungga community members and artists Nikki Ashby, Tamiya and Skylah Sansbury, Bianca Newchurch, Mandi Faerie, Jay Milera, Craig Warrior, and Harley Hall offered activities from dance and face painting to art and boomerang throwing.

“Participants also printed their hands in ochre on kangaroo fur with Sarah Jane Hall and joined a guided walk with Uncle Peter Turner,” Mrs Dahl-helm said.

“Artists proudly sharing their art included Michael Wanganeen Jnr, Gladys Wanganeen, Jay Milera, and Sarah Jane Hall, with quite a few special pieces purchased at the artist market.

“The Nharangga Cultural Day was a huge success, and all supporters look forward to offering it again next year.”

The Nharangga Cultural Day planning group included Uncle Michael Wanganeen, Auntie Lesley Wanganeen, Jemika Wanganeen, Shane Warrior, Peter Turner, Sonya Rankine, Cathy Glazbrook and Letitia Dahl-helm.

As stage two of the North Coast Road, Point Turton, upgrade nears completion, Yorke Peninsula Council has submitted a grant application for the third and final stage.

Stage 2 of the project has included 1.82 kilometres of drainage works, pavement strengthening and a primer seal.

A follow-up final seal over the primer seal, along with line marking, will occur later in the year.

Director of Assets and Infrastructure Andre Kompler said Stage 2 has included more value engineering and collaborative design review involving both Council’s engineering staff and a design consultant.

This collaboration has led to more cost-effective construction solutions while still achieving project life intent, Mr Kompler said.

“In the design area alone, Council and Tonkin Consulting were able to reduce project costs by 18% or $400,000,” he said.

“This was achieved through the use of vertical alignment and cross-section refinement, the use of one-way cross-fall which saved on kerb needs, and the use of fit-for-purpose High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in lieu of concrete culverts.

“Additionally, helpful for Stage 2 delivery was a very competitive contractor market, which saw an additional $400,000 saved relative to the original project budget without any compromise to quality or project delivery.”

Mr Kompler said he is hopeful the last 7km stage of the upgrade will start in December, subject to grant funding.

“While Stage 3 will not be sealed, the pavement will be more resistant to wear and tear and be a marked improvement,” Mr Kompler said.

Mayor Darren Braund said the upgraded road has made it safer for all who navigate the route.

“The road surface and safety improvements will enhance the tourism journey,” Mr Braund said.

“Yorke Peninsula is a magnet for intra-regional and interstate visitation, so positive visitor experiences are really important.”