News

Varroa mite hits SA

RIVERLAND beekeepers have been urged to register their hive locations with PIRSA to support minimising the risk of varroa mite spreading through South Australia. Varroa mite was last week detected in bees – brought in from Queensland – at the...

Hugh Schuitemaker

12 Sep 2025

News

Waikerie house fire causes $100k damage

A FIRE that began in the kitchen has caused approximately $100k damage to a house on Smith Drive, at Waikerie. The CFS said about 15 firefighters from the Waikerie and Cadell CFS brigades, in three trucks, attended the scene. The fire crews...

Christine Webster

11 Sep 2025

News

Whetstone puts job on the line for growers

A RIVERLAND MP was last week suspended from State Parliament while advocating for local wine grape growers. Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone called on the State Government to answer for its expansion of South Australia’s container deposit scheme during...

Hugh Schuitemaker

10 Sep 2025

News

Flood modelling advice shows proposed Jane Eliza development is… SAFE AND SOUND

A HYDROLOGY report has indicated the proposed Jane Eliza Development will have minimal impact on water levels in the event of future flooding in Renmark and surrounding areas. Renmark Paringa Council has today released the hydrology report, which...

Staff Contributors

10 Sep 2025

News

Successful AGM for justices group

AT the recent Riverland Justices Group Annual General Meeting and Dinner, held at The Precinct, in Loxton, chairman Bert Haslam welcomed 50 justices, partners and guests to hear detective superintendent (DS) Darren Fielke talk on his work with...

Staff Contributors

10 Sep 2025

News

Kerbs to reduce stormwater flows

MID Murray Council has installed a standard concrete kerb and water table to control storm water flows on a portion of Adam Street, in Blanchetown. Mayor Simone Bailey said similar infrastructure has also been installed on Upcher Street, in...

Staff Contributors

10 Sep 2025

News

Lyrup rebuild to enhance floodplain connectivity

THE Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is collaborating with a Riverland council to deliver a $90.79m project that will see the combination of environmental health measures with infrastructure along Lyrup Road. Lyrup Road was severely...

Staff Contributors

10 Sep 2025

News

Drivers caught by cops over the weekend

NUMEROUS drivers were stopped over the weekend for traffic offences within the Riverland. Between Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30, Murray Mallee Police reported two drivers in separate incidents for testing positive to illicit drugs...

Staff Contributors

09 Sep 2025

News

Indicative pricing Bill hits parliament

STRUGGLING Riverland grape growers would have a better chance of staying in the industry – and sustaining the region’s economy – if an indicative pricing Bill being introduced to State Parliament today becomes law, an SA MP says. The Bill...

Hugh Schuitemaker

03 Sep 2025

News

Staff Shortages

A NUMBER of Renmark’s largest businesses are struggling to maintain necessary levels of staff. The operator of one of Renmark’s largest retail outlets – speaking to The Murray Pioneer under the condition of anonymity – said regular turnover...

Hugh Schuitemaker

03 Sep 2025

News

$250,000 funding for Stoney Pinch Sands

A RIVERLAND quarrying company has received $250,000 in funding to invest in methods to rectify silica deficiency in soils, and improve the ability for plants to grow and thrive. Renmark-based business Stoney Pinch Sands was one of 14 Australian...

Staff Contributors

29 Aug 2025

News

Motorists busted for drink, drug driving

TWO motorists have been charged by police for driving while intoxicated within the region last weekend. At approximately 1.30pm, on Friday, August 22, a 54-year-old Berri man was reported for driving while disqualified on Worman Street, in Berri. He...

Staff Contributors

28 Aug 2025

News

Operation Eclipse seizes tobacco stockpile

ILLICIT tobacco products worth $8.1m – some of which were believed to be going to regional areas such as the Riverland – have been seized by South Australian detectives. Police made the seizure on August 13, at an Edinburgh industrial warehouse...

Staff Contributors

28 Aug 2025

News

Wine industry catastrophe?

PEAK representative bodies say the Riverland is at risk of “long-term economic” catastrophe, unless direct support is provided for the South Australian wine industry. The Advertiser on Monday reported local grape growers were “grappling with...

Hugh Schuitemaker

27 Aug 2025

News

Drivers charged for breaking road rules

THREE Riverlanders are set to appear in court after being charged with road offences last weekend. On August 15, a 43-year-old Barmera man returned a result for a drug test after being stopped on Fowles Street, in Barmera. He was issued with...

Staff Contributors

26 Aug 2025