Newly retired Ian Andrews, of Renmark in South Australia's Riverland, has built a collection of more than 10,000 succulents. He says the plants are best kept outdoors and given regular breaks outside when kept indoors, and that leaving them alone is often the best care. Greenlife Industry NSW and ACT chief executive Mike Mehigan says Australian plant sales are worth more than $3 billion, with younger buyers driving demand. He links the rise in succulent popularity partly to people living in apartments without gardens. Mr Andrews says gardening has helped him enjoy retirement.
Hail and heavy rain have damaged crops on a South Australian farm just ahead of an expected record harvest. About 30 millimetres of rain fell in 10 minutes at Kamora Park Poll Merino Station near Sandalwood, about 175 kilometres east of Adelaide. Stud principal Katelyn Boughen said at least half of a lupin crop may be damaged. Her aunt, Anne Boughen, estimated about a quarter of the crop, around 400 hectares, was lost. Storms also hit Lameroo and nearby towns, flooding a main street.
Around 600 mature Murray Cod have been returned to Lake Bonney in South Australia's Riverland. The project was led by RecFish SA and backed by the state government and its Recreational Fishing Authority. RecFish SA chief executive Asher Dezsery said the fish had disappeared from the lake after water quality problems and fish kills. Ecologists say the cod may improve water quality and habitat, while local leaders hope the fish will boost tourism. Fishing for Murray Cod is banned during the breeding season, with catch-and-release fishing resuming from January 1, 2027.
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Trent Truran and his family take his grandfather's red 1973 Holden HQ Kingswood to the Bay to Birdwood historical car rally each year. The car was bought in 1975 after two years as a company car and was driven across the Nullarbor and across South Australia. Its engine is the only non-original part, replaced after the first one kept overheating. Mr Truran says the car is a head-turner that draws memories from passers-by. This year the family is also bringing a 1975 Toyota LandCruiser FJ55, the same model his father drove.
More than 40 cherry trees have been stolen from Torrens Valley Orchards in South Australia's Riverland region. Owner Tony Hannaford says the thefts may impact his export market, as the trees are a unique variety. Police are investigating and urge anyone with information to come forward. The thefts occurred between September 29 and October 15, with the latest involving three men in a black SUV.
South Australian politicians from Labor, Liberal, the Greens and an independent met in Canberra to demand the Murray-Darling Basin Plan be delivered in full. A recent report shows a 265 gigalitre shortfall caused by failed state-run water-saving projects. Liberal senator Andrew McLachlan said South Australia had already done its share and other states needed to step up. Riverland resident Neil Burton said the river was vital to communities. A review of the plan is due to be completed later this year.
Above-average rainfall has ended years of drought for farming families in South Australia's Riverland. Kiara Fisher, at Bugle Hut, says this year's bumper crop will help her family pay bills. Louise Smith, at Maggea, received 350 millimetres of rain so far this year, more than double last year's total, and hopes to turn a profit for the first time in about seven years. Grain Producers South Australia chief executive Brad Perry says the state's harvest could reach about 13 million tonnes, well above the average of 9 million tonnes.
South Australian farmers fear a growing locust infestation could devastate what looks set to be the Riverland's best season in decades. Vast swarms have begun appearing and could soon move into crops and grazing land. Farmer Steve Nitschke said he had not seen conditions this bad since 2010 and warned that locusts could contaminate grain. Growers want stronger help from the state government, and some say aerial spraying is needed in national parks and reserves. The government says a chemical rebate scheme offers up to $35 a hectare to help with pest control costs.
Riverland grape grower Jack Papageorgiou plans to sell his property and leave the wine industry after years of low grape prices. He said his family had to keep injecting money into the farm, and his wife withdrew $150,000 from superannuation. The South Australian government recently announced a $109 million package, including loans of up to $500,000 to help growers switch to other crops. Papageorgiou said that support came too late. He hopes to sell the land within 12 months, though finding a buyer may be difficult.
WIN Network will stop broadcasting Network 10 channels in Mount Gambier, Riverland, Griffith and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, citing high costs. A University of Sydney professor says maintaining regional terrestrial TV is no longer cost-effective. Network 10 encourages viewers to stream its content online. Some residents prefer streaming, while others, like seniors, will be affected by the loss of free-to-air channels.
Pigeon droppings have become a major issue in Pinnaroo, a small town in South Australia's Murray Mallee. Local businesses and the primary school are spending hundreds of dollars weekly to clean up the mess, which has damaged machinery, blocked gutters, and contaminated drinking water. The Southern Mallee Council has been organising eradication efforts for the past 18 months, but the pigeons keep returning. Residents and the council are concerned about the impact on public amenities and buildings.
Volunteer ambulance officers in Pinnaroo, South Australia, have walked out in protest after a colleague was stood down. Rob Berlin, a volunteer for nearly 50 years, was removed from duty amid administrative allegations. The Pinnaroo station, which relies entirely on volunteers, serves a population of about 760 people. The South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) has stated it is committed to investigating the allegations fairly.
