Environment SA News

Following significant rainfall within the Sturt, Keswick and Brownhill Creek catchments, the Patawalonga Lake has been utilised, in conjunction with the Barcoo Outlet, to manage the increased inflows of stormwater.

Due to the inflows, water in the Patawalonga Lake will be discoloured and may contain some small and large debris.

It is strongly recommended that recreational activities on the water are avoided until the system has cleared.

With a high tide and rain continuing, DEW are monitoring lake levels and water quality.

The water in the lake will be circulated over the coming days to flush out the stormwater.

As we continue to celebrate National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), we're taking a moment to explore the story of First Nations park rangers and co-management in South Australia.

This year’s theme, All In, reminds us that reconciliation starts with learning and action.

For more than 40 years, First Nations people have brought cultural knowledge and hands-on expertise to caring for Country.

Discover this history that began with an Australian-first program on Adnyamathanha Country.

📸 Ranger Matt Hartman at Dutchman’s Stern Conservation Park (image by Jacob Turner).

Learn more at the link in the comments.

Winter’s here, the waterfalls are flowing and the gumboots are out…

With the rainy weather settling in and winter officially underway, we want to know: what did you get up to in nature over the weekend? 👇

☔ Chased a waterfall?
🥾 Went for a muddy bushwalk?
🌿 Enjoyed the rain from your local park?
🔥 Stayed cosy and watched the weather roll in?

Tell us where nature took you this weekend (bonus points for pics 📸).

Coastal waters in some parts of SA have been affected by an algal bloom.

To help keep communities informed, the South Australian Government is hosting a community forum at the Croatian Sporting Club in Port Lincoln, on Monday 1 June from 6pm.

Hear from government leaders and experts such as the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven, and representatives from Department of Primary Industries and Regions and SA Health.

This forum is free and open to the public. Registration is essential due to venue capacity.

Follow the link to find out more and register to attend: https://bit.ly/port-lincoln-fourm

A prescribed burn is planned at Lake Hawdon North on the Limestone Coast on Thursday, weather conditions permitting.

The prescribed burn will start at 11am on Thursday May 28 and is likely to be completed by 4pm the same day. Smoke may be visible within the burn area for several days.

▪️The area to be burnt is 60 hectares at the site, which is about 13 kilometres east of Robe.
▪️This burn is part of a series burns planned to enhance feeding habitat for threatened migratory bird species by removing vegetation from the rehabilitated lake area.
▪️No roads or trails will be closed throughout the burn.
▪️Smoke will be visible in the area.

National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia (NPWS) crews will remain on site until safe.

NPWS conducts a statewide program of prescribed burns to reduce the spread and intensity of bushfires, protect communities and enhance biodiversity.

Prescribed burning is just one tool used to reduce fuel loads across strategic areas of public and private land.

Prescribed burns will only be carried out when it is deemed safe to do so and may be cancelled at short notice.

For the most up-to-date information and to find a list of planned prescribed burns, visit the DEW website:
https://bit.ly/saprescribedburns

You can also sign up for updates on prescribed burns straight to your inbox: https://bit.ly/signupforfiresidenews

With: SA Country Fire Service | SA Water | Forestry SA | Landscape SA.

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week.

As Reconciliation Australia states, Reconciliation Week is ‘a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements’.

This year’s theme ‘All In’ calls for wholehearted commitment to reconciliation, and reminds us that advancing the rights of First Nations peoples isn’t a passive activity.

Being ‘All In’ can start with a visit to the Reconciliation Australia website to learn more about history, local events and ways to get involved.

Being even a little more informed is a step forward.

For instance, did you know that more than 13.8 million hectares of land in South Australia, an area about twice the size of Tasmania, is co-managed by First Nations groups together with the Department for Environment and Water?

Or that this year the Vulkathunna-Gammon Ranges National Park celebrates a landmark 20 years of co-management, combining Traditional Owner and contemporary knowledge to care for Country?

Follow the links below to learn more and find out how you can get involved.

As South Australia's History Festival wraps up, finish the sentence: “The most underrated heritage place in South Australia is…”

The end of the water use year is almost here.

If you're planning to trade water allocation for 2025/26, now is the time to act.

Applications must be received by Sunday 7 June to be processed before the end of the water year.

Not sure where to start? A water broker can help, or you can contact the Water Licensing Team on (08) 8372 7561 or email [email protected].

Happy World Turtle Day to all who shell-e-brate!

World Turtle Day is all about raising awareness of turtle populations and efforts to conserve these ancient reptiles and protect their habitats.

Turtles are one of the most threatened groups of species on earth. Of the 356 species of turtles and tortoises globally, more than 50 per cent are threatened with extinction.

Turtles play an important role in keeping freshwater ecosystems healthy, as they help to clean and move nutrients around the water - like little vacuum cleaners.

They also help to disperse seeds for native vegetation. In other words, they’re little heroes in a half shell!

There are more than 20 different species of freshwater turtles found all over Australia, but in South Australia, you can find 3 species of freshwater turtles; Murray short-necked turtle, Eastern long-necked turtle and Broad-shelled turtle – the largest of our turtle species boasting the longest turtleneck in relation to body size of any turtle in the world!

Have you spotted a turtle out in nature recently? Share your photos below!

Follow the link to learn more about turtles in SA https://bit.ly/freshwaterturtles

The latest edition of our newsletter is out.

Next time, it could be in your inbox too!

In the this edition:

◾We say thanks to our dedicated army of volunteers, for National Volunteer Week
◾We explain how SA's hiking grade system works to help you find the right walk for you.
◾Reveal Sir David Attenborough's special connection to the Flinders Ranges as we he celebrates his 100th year.

Plus, Park of the Month, your photos and more.

Subscribe to Environment SA News today. It's free!

Check out this week's edition and see what you're missing! https://bit.ly/dew-nl-may-20-2026