Department for Environment and Water

This year we've been sharing our favourite stories, announcements, achievements and milestones from across the Department for Environment and Water, from across our great state. Today, for our final wrap of the year, we're taking a look back at some of the stories that struck a chord with you and were among the most popular articles published on our Good Living blog. Our weekly Five Things wrap of the week will be back in early 2025. Until then, have a safe and happy festive season and we hope you have some time to get out and explore the best that SA's beautiful natural environment and cultural and heritage places have to offer. Our thanks to National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia, Friends of Parks and Nature, Cleland Wildlife Park, Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, South Australia, Heritage South Australia, Landscape Boards of South Australia, Murray-Darling Basin Authority City of Adelaide and all our friends and partners for helping us tell so many wonderful and important stories in 2024! Read our full wrap of the top 10 Good Living blogs you loved in 2024 https://lnkd.in/gNx6HVVn

This #WildlifeWednesday, we're excited to announce some great news for endangered species in South Australia's Far North!    A new $3 million partnership has been established between the Department of Environment and Water (DEW) and the Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species Ltd (FAME) designed to boost the state's biodiversity.    With 11 projects planned over 3 years, including relocating bilbies, restoring bassian thrushes and protecting threatened plants, the aim is to create 3 new safer havens, increase climate resilience and create potential refuges for endangered plants and animals.    Safer havens are large unfenced areas where feral animals are substantially reduced to allow reintroduced native animals to thrive.    These projects continue the work already undertaken as part of the landscape conservation program, Bounceback, which saw DEW and FAME work together to establish safer havens for the reintroduction of mammals extinct in the wild.     We can't wait to get started! Full story: https://bit.ly/dew_fame #biodiversity #endangeredspecies #bounceback #environment #southaustralia #southaustralianenvironment

You may have seen them driving around town. You may have one on your own car. But did you know that SA’s Koala State number plates are not just a great way to make a statement in traffic, but are making a real difference to the fortunes of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in South Australia? $50 from every plate sold is set aside to help the individuals and organisations that give so much of their time to help animals in need. The first recipients of the new South Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants pilot program were recently announced, with 13 individuals and not-for-profit organisations in the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sector sharing in a total $50,000 in funding. The recipients will each receive a grant up to $5000 to help pay for equipment, supplies, training and veterinary services to support their important work. About 2200 Koala State plates have been sold since the scheme was introduced in July 2023. The plates cost $151, which includes a $70 plate fee, $31 reallocation fee for vehicles already registered in SA and a $50 one-off donation for our wildlife. To purchase your Koala State plate, visit ezyplates.sa.gov.au A second round of grants applications will open in early 2025. Read more about SA's Koala State plates https://lnkd.in/gJuriVUu   #koalaplates #southaustralianwildlife

The Coast Protection Board summer newsletter is out now! In this edition, the latest on the 2024 Coast Protection Grants Program, how drones are helping us monitor coastal changes on Yorke Peninsula beaches and using satellite imagery to estimate seafloor depth on the metro coast! Follow the link to read all the stories featured in this edition! https://lnkd.in/gNxQhnMx If you're not already a subscriber, sign up get the latest news straight to your inbox: https://lnkd.in/gQvaPdmi #coastprotection #southaustralianbeaches

South Australia is bracing for some hot weather over the next few days. We can't control the weather, but thankfully there are lots of things we can do to keep cool at home, and make sure our furry, scaly, finned and feathered friends are also comfortable as the mercury rises. It's also important to know how to care responsibly for our wildlife in the hot weather and know what to do if you encounter a sick or injured animal in a national park or in your neighbourhood. Follow the links below for some practical tips and useful information. How to help wildlife in the hot weather https://lnkd.in/g7wXeSBB 10 tips to keep you and your house cool this summer:  https://lnkd.in/g3sqjXUX How to keep your pets cool in the hot weather:  https://lnkd.in/gbzvFVJw #SouthAustralia #Hotweather #Pets #Wildlife #Summer #keepcool

Don't miss out on this two-day conference, showcasing the latest trends and innovations to reduce emissions and build resilience for business and industry. Registrations are now open.

We're two and a bit weeks from the end of 2024. OF COURSE you've had a busy week!!! Relax. We're here to help. Catch up on the week that was with our quick wrap of the five stories you probably missed! Fossil lion makes Naracoorte comeback https://lnkd.in/gxuiSThB Adelaide's best beaches https://lnkd.in/g4EXn_-T Adelaide Arcade marks 139 years https://lnkd.in/g_jQmYbZ Swamp burn for vital habitat https://lnkd.in/g529XJ7k Have yourself a sustainable little Christmas https://lnkd.in/giYn_46a #NaracoorteCaves #Adelaide #SouthAustralia #Fossils #Thylocoleo #Beaches #Summer #Christmas #Sustainability #PrescribedBurning #Habitat #ThreatenedSpecies

Time for a tree change? 🌿 We're hiring! 🌏 Join our team and cultivate change. The following opportunities are currently available: Assessment and Compliance Officer https://lnkd.in/gUpW-5mX Geophysical Logging Operator https://lnkd.in/g8RUsftW Communications and Engagement Officer https://lnkd.in/g43cPniZ Principal Coast and River Planner https://lnkd.in/gdp2MZDG

If you're spending any time around Rundle Mall for your Christmas shopping, you'll more than likely pass through the spectacular Adelaide Arcade, always as pretty as a picture during the silly season. The arcade has extra reasons to celebrate (and be celebrated) this week. The stunning building was opened to great fanfare 139 years ago today, on December 12, 1885. As the arcade website points out, with its "distinctive domes and ornate details" the new arcade heralded the arrival of an "architectural grandeur" never seen before in Adelaide. The building was considered "extremely progressive" for its use of new materials and techniques and was one of the first buildings in the city to boast electric lights. It took 200 workers just five months to build, along with the adjoining Gay's Arcade. As the arcade website explains, the official opening drew crowds of onlookers, a visit from the Governor and an orchestra played the "Adelaide Arcade Polka" written especially for the occasion. The arcade opened with 50 stores and at one time was even home to a Turkish baths, the famous underground tea rooms and... if you believe the rumours, the ghost of the resident caretaker following his death in 1887! The arcade has seen triumph and tragedy through the decades, including a major fire in the 1980s, but has been restored to its former glory and remains a shining jewel in the city's crown. It was confirmed as a State Heritage Place in 1985. Learn more about South Australia's unique heritage and how we're working to protect, preserve and promote it https://bit.ly/heritagesa #adelaidearcade #southaustralianheritage #heritagearchitecture

Here's some good news for your Wednesday! Vital foraging habitat for shorebirds on the Lower Lakes has been expanded by about 18 hectares, thanks to major infrastructure works. Teringie Wetlands, on Lake Alexandrina, have been officially reopened after the $4m works, which were jointly funded by the state and federal government’s Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program. The upgrades included the installation of two flow regulators to enhance water management and connectivity between the wetland basins. Access tracks, which previously acted as barriers to water flow, have also been improved, fostering a healthier habitat for native species like aquatic plants, fish, turtles, frogs, and yabbies. These improvements will boost the site's cultural, ecological, and social value. Discover more about the Teringie Wetlands restoration and its impact on local wildlife and communities: https://lnkd.in/gnZsWSBk Learn more about the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program: https://lnkd.in/gAzMFQww #HealthyCoorongHealthyBasin #LowerLakes #LakeAlexandrina #TeringieWetlands #Shorebirds #Habitat #Environment