Yorke Peninsula Council is calling on the support of our community to help care for our road network.

We’ve noticed some damage occurring when large machinery—particularly grid and flat rollers—is transported between locations.

While Council is aware that their operation is essential, incorrect transportation of these rollers between locations presents logistical challenges due to their size and potential damage to our road network.

To help reduce unnecessary wear and tear—and avoid extra maintenance costs—we kindly ask that those transporting these rollers use the appropriate hydraulic controls and cradles.

With limited resources and a large area to cover, your cooperation makes a real difference in helping us preserve and maintain the roads we all rely on.

Thank you for working with us to look after our region’s roads and ensure our shared infrastructure stays in good condition for everyone.

The Ardrossan Jetty will be closed to the public from late August 2025 for approximately six months as part of the Jetty Pile Replacement Project.

These vital works will replace ageing piles and associated components to ensure the long-term safety and usability of this much-loved community asset.

While we understand the timing is not ideal — especially with the ongoing impacts of the algal bloom — we truly appreciate the community’s patience and understanding. We know these months are important for many local businesses, and we’re committed to supporting you through this period.

• Access to the top carpark and toilet facilities will remain open.
• The road to the jetty will be closed at the top carpark entrance.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to a renewed jetty that supports recreation, tourism, and Ardrossan’s broader appeal as a destination.

Thank you for your continued resilience, community spirit, and support. We’ll keep you informed with updates as the project progresses.

Feedback from a public meeting in Port Vincent last night indicated many people and businesses feel there has been a lack of information around the algal bloom.

In response, Council has today arranged for an expert in this field, Dr Faith Coleman, to present at a public information session in Minlaton Town Hall 5.30pm to 6.30pm next Thursday, 24 July. Faith will provide unbiased, fact-based scientific information, as well as answer some questions.

Please feel free to attend, and to share with your networks. Anyone interested is asked to please register at no cost here: Yorke Peninsula Algal Bloom Information Session

Please be assured this is just one of many, many initiatives Council is putting into action as we all work together on the algal bloom situation.  I’d like to reiterate that people can contact us to provide feedback about the impacts of the algal bloom via admin@yorke.sa.gov.au. Latest information about the algal bloom can be found here: Information – Algal Bloom – Yorke Peninsula Council.

From 1 July 2025, all coin-operated permit vending machines at Yorke Peninsula Council boat ramps will be removed. Single launch permits will now be available exclusively through the EasyPark mobile app, offering a more convenient and modern payment method.

This change reflects the community’s shift towards electronic payments and is expected to save Council in maintenance costs, along with reducing staff call-outs.

Annual and monthly permits remain available online here, at Council offices, and participating caravan park agencies.

To use the EasyPark app:

• Download from the App Store or Google Play.
• Create an account with your mobile number, vehicle registration, and payment details.
• Locate your boat ramp using the map or area number.
• Complete your payment – no printed permit required.

Need help? Contact EasyPark on 1300 73 40 70.

A naturally occurring harmful algal bloom is currently impacting parts of the South Australian coastline.

The Department for Environment and Water and PIRSA have released an update with details on advice for the public.

• Confirmed Location: Karenia algae detected in the Coorong North Lagoon (Seven Mile Basin to Long Point) following storms on May 26–27.
• Spread: Satellite imagery indicates the bloom moving eastward; weekly testing is ongoing.
• Effects: Discoloured/foamy water and marine life deaths
• Health Risks: Not dangerous long-term, but can cause temporary skin, eye, or breathing irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms if water is ingested.
• Advice: Avoid contact with discoloured or foamy water and dead marine life. Don’t eat dead fish/shellfish from beaches.
• Closures: Commercial pipi and oyster harvests are restricted in affected areas.
• Monitoring: DEW, PIRSA, EPA, and SA Health are actively monitoring.

Read the full update here

A Karenia mikimotoi harmful algal bloom has been detected in South Australian waters, with potential impacts on marine life and public health.

Community members are encouraged to stay updated via the following official channels:

• SA Health – Public Health Advice
  For current water quality alerts and health advice:
  www.sahealth.sa.gov.au – Water Quality Alerts

• PIRSA – Situation Updates
  Access the latest situation reports, maps, and data:
  www.pir.sa.gov.au – Harmful Algal Bloom

• Department for Environment and Water – Environmental Investigations
  Updates on related impacts including fish deaths and wildlife health:
  www.environment.sa.gov.au – News Hub

• SA Marine Mortality Events 2025
  Ongoing data collection for South Australia’s 2025 fish mortality events is underway. This project automatically compiles observations of aquatic vertebrates and macroinvertebrates noted as ‘dead’ from February 2025 onwards:
  https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/sa-marine-mortality-events-2025?tab=observations

We urge all residents and visitors to follow official guidance and check these sources regularly for updates.

UPDATE: Council has been advised that final asphalt works at the Marion Bay boat ramp are now scheduled to be completed in one day instead of two.

As a result of this change in the contractor’s schedule, access to the Marion Bay boat ramp will be unavailable on Thursday 10 April while these works are carried out.

The boat ramp is expected to reopen for use by 12pm on Friday 11 April. Council appreciates your understanding as we complete this important upgrade.

Final asphalt works will take place at the Marion Bay boat ramp carpark on Thursday, 10 April, and Friday, 11 April 2025.

Boat ramp access will be maintained during this time, but users are asked to follow all onsite instructions from contractors regarding ramp access and the parking of vehicles and trailers.

The carpark and boat ramp will be fully operational by Easter.

Thank you for your cooperation!

McMahon Services Australia is excited to announce that the newly realigned section of Yorke Highway near Ardrossan will open to traffic on Wednesday, 9 April 2025 (weather permitting).

This upgrade is part of ongoing improvements linked to the Rex Minerals Hillside Project, designed to enhance site access, safety, and local traffic flow.

Motorists are urged to drive with care and follow all onsite signage while navigating the new alignment to ensure a smooth transition.

Check out the map for details on the new road layout.

Nominations for the Kalkabury Ward Supplementary Election open Thursday, 27 February and close at noon on Thursday, 13 March.

The vacancy on Yorke Peninsula Council was created due to the sad passing of Cr Alan Headon recently.

Candidates must submit a profile of not more than 1,000 characters with their nomination. They may also provide a photograph, predominantly head and shoulders, taken within the past 12 months.

More information about nominating, including eligibility criteria and the election process, is available in the candidate handbook and candidate briefing video via ecsa.sa.gov.au or for enquiries phone 1300 655 232.

An in-person candidate briefing session will be held by Yorke Peninsula Council at 6pm on Thursday, 27 February, at the Maitland Council Office, 8 Elizabeth Street Maitland.