March 2026

Welcome to this month’s Assets and Environment Update, where we share progress on key projects and maintenance works across the district.

Much of Council’s focus over the past month has continued to centre on recovery following the Deep Creek bushfire, alongside delivery of priority infrastructure works.

For more details, we encourage you to read the March Assets and Environment Update Report presented to Council.

Deep Creek Fire recovery

The Deep Creek bushfire, declared controlled on 12 February 2026, was one of the most significant fire events recorded on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Council is now transitioning from emergency response into a structured recovery phase. A Community Recovery Committee is being established to guide this work, with Council committing staff resources to support and lead recovery efforts over the coming months. An FAQ resource is also being developed to help residents access clear information on available support and next steps.

On the ground, recovery works are underway across the fire-affected area. Priorities include:

• clearing fallen trees and roadside debris
• repairing and regrading damaged roads
• replacing signage and road markers
• inspecting drainage systems, culverts and other infrastructure

While services are gradually returning to normal, recovery efforts will continue to place pressure on resources. Some planned works have been delayed, and residents may notice ongoing impacts as crews prioritise recovery activities.

Council is also working to recover eligible costs associated with the response and will seek insurance or grant funding where available.

Roads and infrastructure

Finniss Vale Drive, Second Valley

Construction is progressing well on the Finniss Vale Drive upgrade, despite recent wet and windy conditions.

This project will improve drainage, road condition and accessibility, with works including new stormwater infrastructure and full road reconstruction.

Completion was originally scheduled for April; however, strong progress means works are now likely to be finished between mid and late March.

Unsealed roads
Following the completion of works on Myponga Beach Road, the program has moved to Lanacoona Road. Preparatory works are underway, including drainage improvements, vegetation management and material stockpiling. Progress has been slower this month due to fire response priorities, with major works to resume as resources become available.

Patrol grading
Routine grading has been paused due to dry conditions, which limit effectiveness and increase dust. Works will recommence when conditions are more suitable.

Roadside vegetation management
Slashing works have continued on several roads: Jones Road, Lord Road, Bullaparinga Crescent, Old Council Chambers Road and Morris Road, helping reduce fuel loads and improve visibility.

Shoulder maintenance
Scheduled works at Range Road (Parawa) and Carrickalinga Road (Normanville) have been delayed due to fire response demands and are now expected to begin between late March and April.

Bridge maintenance

Several bridge projects have progressed over the past month:

• Works on Myponga Beach Bridge recommenced in late February and are expected to be completed by mid-March
• Renewal Works at Rogers Road Bridge and the Carrickalinga footbridge are now complete
• Guard rail installation at Stone Road Bridge is scheduled to begin in mid-March

Fire prevention

Fire prevention activities are ongoing across the district, with inspections continuing and follow-up action taken where required.

To date:

• 49 expiation notices have been issued
• 8 matters have progressed to further enforcement, including Council undertaking works and recovering costs

A general round of secondary inspections will start soon and will focus on township areas and known risk locations.

Normanville Foreshore - Northern Beach Access Ramp
The northern beach access ramp at Normanville remains closed while Council awaits a final determination from its insurer.

While formal advice is still pending, Council has received preliminary verbal confirmation that a ‘like-for-like’ repair is likely to be supported. A further update will be provided following the April Council meeting.

Fleurieu Coast Environment Reference Group (FERG)

FERG met in February to discuss key environmental priorities, including coastal management, dune protection and strategic environmental planning. The next meeting is scheduled for May 2026.

February 2026

Welcome to the February Assets and Environment Update. This regular feature keeps you informed about the progress of various Council projects. For more details, we encourage you to read the February Assets and Environment Update presented to Council.

Supporting the Community During the Deep Creek Fire

February has been a challenging month for our district, with the Deep Creek bushfire starting on 1 February 2026. Much of the Assets and Environment team’s focus has been on supporting the emergency response alongside the CFS, DEW and SA Metropolitan Fire Services.

Council staff from across the organisation, including Depot and Operations, Fire Prevention, Community Services, Communications, WHS, Finance and Leadership teams, worked extensive hours to support the fire response. Key contributions included:

• Fireground and Operational Support: Establishing control lines, carting water, installing road closures, clearing roads and hazardous trees and undertaking tasks as directed by lead agencies.
• Waste Management: Supplying bins and waste services at staging areas, increasing collection frequencies and providing on-site logistics to maintain safe and functional emergency bases.
• Community and Recovery Support: Delivering communications, engaging with community leaders and coordinating recovery information.
• Coordination and Liaison: Staff were deployed as Liaison Officers at Region 1 Headquarters and worked closely with contractors and technical experts to support response and early recovery operations.

The response required up to 70% of the depot workforce, which has inevitably affected normal service levels. As we transition from response to recovery, the team is now focusing on detailed assessment and restoration of roads, culverts, drainage assets and the systematic removal of fallen trees and debris to ensure the district is safe, resilient and prepared for future fire seasons.

Fire Clearance Works – Q&A

Council continues its fire prevention program, targeting roadside vegetation to reduce fuel loads and improve safety. Some recent questions from the community and CFS are outlined below:

Q – Is DCY responsible for the roadside maintenance of state-controlled roads, including Main South Road?

A – The State have care and control of their own roads and verges; however, Council staff undertake some verge management along parts of these roads to enhance fire breaks and improve sight lines where there is a measurable benefit in Council doing so.

Q – What machinery does the Council own for the purpose of roadside slashing in preparation for fire prevention?  

A – Council has several items of plant that are utilised for our roadside management. These items include a sled slasher (new), a mulcher mower, a tractor, a spray unit, mowers (Parks and Gardens), a Ventrac multi-purpose mower and general minor plant such as line trimmers, chainsaws and portable spray units.

Q – When were the roadside major plant items purchased?  

A – The slasher was purchased in December 2025 in line with the allocated budget and the Heavy Plant Plan. The tractor and mulcher combo was purchased in the 2023-24 financial year. The roadside spray unit (ute-mounted) was purchased in the 2022-23 financial year.

Q – How many kilometres of roadside need slashing each year?  

A – Council maintains 543 km of roadsides (133 km sealed, 410 km unsealed). This figure does not include State Government roads on which we also undertake some works, where budget permits and there is a recognised need.

The exact amount of roadside slashing varies from year to year and is largely dependent on the weather and the amount of fuel load in different areas of the district.

The team uses roadside spraying as the main fuel reduction tool and slashes the areas that need additional treatment. This means the exact amount of slashing will vary from year to year on an as-needed basis and a risk-based approach guides the prioritisation and timing.

Q – How many kilometres have been completed so far this year?

A – We have undertaken treatment on most roadsides. Officers previously identified 56 roadsides in the December 2025 report and this has increased to 79 roads. The logging of works is based on each road, not on a per-kilometre basis and the number of treatments on any individual road can be multiple in order to undertake further treatment, such as slashing works or treatment of pre-emergent weed species.

Q – On average, how many kilometres of slashing per hour are achieved?  

A – With the new sled slasher, the new expectation is that approximately 6 km per hour will be achieved. The mulcher is slower, being approximately 2 km per hour. However, this varies greatly as there may be thicker vegetation in areas or areas where we undertake treatment to the fenceline and how trafficable the path is, which will vary travel time.

Q – What are the benefits of spraying plants that are no longer actively growing and still require slashing? Does the Council consider risks of herbicide resistance when applying herbicides?  

A – All council staff undertaking spraying have qualifications in weed management to enable them to undertake appropriate spray treatments in line with the relevant guidelines.

In addition, our team takes advice from an agronomist in terms of chemical and treatments applied. The approach to spraying needs to be tailored for its purpose; for instance, some species need treatment pre-emergent, which means we need to treat at different times of the year. There may be times when we spray in the summer to achieve this.

One of the potential causes of resistance is the application of too high rates of chemicals. To manage this risk, Officers use the application rates and chemicals as per the label and in line with the agronomist's advice.

Q – What is the cost comparison between internal delivery vs contractors?

A – Internal delivery currently costs approximately $50,000 per year, compared with $145,000 when contracted in 2022. Rising contractor and input costs reinforce the value of in-house delivery.

Q – Has any consideration been given to offering a rate rebate to Farmers that are willing to manage their own roadside slashing program?  

A – Allowing private citizens to undertake work on Council land would be outside of the Council's adopted risk appetite.

Q – Is the current budget allocation for slashing sufficient to meet Council’s legislative requirements?

A – The relevant legislation speaks to undertaking sufficient works to minimise risk; the amount of work required will vary depending on the year and on fuel load. Additional work on roadside vegetation management would come at additional costs regardless of whether the delivery model was internal or contracted but additional investment would ensure we are able to appropriately meet this requirement in a timelier manner.

Finniss Vale Drive – Construction Underway

Construction on Finniss Vale Drive, Second Valley, commenced in late January 2026. The project is a major upgrade that will improve drainage resilience, minimise surface water impacts and enhance road condition and accessibility for residents.

Works include installation of stormwater infrastructure, box culverts, swales, headwalls, road reconstruction, profiling, stabilisation, rubble placement and final spray sealing. Completion is expected by April 2026.

Normanville Foreshore – Beach Access Ramps and SLSC Retaining Wall

Council continues to progress follow-up actions relating to the coastal storm damage sustained in 2025.

Insurance assessments are still underway for key infrastructure, including the northern beach access boardwalk and the retaining wall in front of the Surf Life Saving Club.

While a final insurance position is still pending, an assessment report included short-term repair recommendations. Council staff have delivered a number of these works in-house to improve beach access.

Southern Beach Access Ramp and Stairs

The southern beach access stairs reopened in December 2025. Following further review, the final section of the southern boardwalk was approved for reopening in early February 2026.

The southern beach access ramp and stairs are now fully open to the public.

Northern Beach Access Ramp

The northern beach access ramp remains closed.

Short-term works are not currently authorised under engineering advice and this infrastructure is awaiting the outcome of the insurance determination.

December 2025

Council’s Assets and Environment team has continued to make strong progress across a range of capital works and maintenance programs, with several major projects reaching completion in time for the summer season.

For more details, you can read the complete December Assets and Environment Report, presented to Council this month.

Unsealed Roads and Patrol Grading

The Civil team completed re-sheeting on approximately 2 km of Myponga Beach Road during November, renewing the road surface to improve safety and driving conditions. Works included grading, hauling, and compacting high-quality quarry material, as well as culvert upgrades to improve drainage and reduce erosion risks. Traffic management ensured minimal disruption and these works form part of Council’s long-term program to maintain our rural road network.

Patrol grading also continued across the district while moisture levels remained favourable. Roads graded in November included Taverner, Stockwell, Smith Hill, Doctors Hill, Salt Creek, Kemmiss Hill, Tapanappa, Louds Hill and James Track. As larger capital works commence over summer, patrol grading will now move to an as-needed basis.

Fire Prevention Works

Phase one of Council’s bushfire preparation is well underway. Weed spraying has been undertaken across numerous roadsides, reserves and township areas ahead of slashing, which will continue through December and January.

Council’s Fire Prevention Officer inspected 470 properties ahead of the Fire Danger Season, issuing 171 notices requiring fuel-load reduction. Officers are also responding to community enquiries and offering advice on preparedness.

Footpath Renewal

Footpath improvements in Normanville on Main South Road were completed in October, with additional minor works in Myponga finalised in November. These works make full use of remaining renewal funds and target high-priority sections.

Shoulder Maintenance

Shoulder maintenance works have been scheduled for Range Road at Parawa and Carrickalinga Road in Normanville, with completion expected early in 2026. Additional locations will be prioritised subject to budget availability.

Finniss Vale Drive – Second Valley

Council has secured $533,000 through the Special Local Roads Program to upgrade Finniss Vale Drive. Following a competitive tender process, the contract has been awarded to Nova Group, with works scheduled to begin in late January 2026 and finish by March–April. The chosen design, featuring a one-way cross fall to a swale, offers the best balance of safety, function and cost efficiency.

The Pines Park – Second Valley

Work continues to improve safety and amenity at The Pines Park. Timber posts have been installed to prevent vehicles from entering the reserve from the adjacent car park, protecting the health of mature pines and improving pedestrian safety. Wheel stops will shortly follow.

Due to the need for careful installation around tree roots, some elements may extend beyond Christmas, but the key objective, stopping vehicle access, will be achieved before the school holidays.

Bridge Maintenance

Council’s bridge maintenance program is progressing steadily:

• Guard rails have been installed on both sides of the Rogers Road Bridge, Myponga.
• Repairs to the Carrickalinga footbridge have been completed, strengthening its structural integrity.
• A revised and costed design has been prepared for Blacker Road Bridge, with timing to be considered through the 2026–27 budget process.
• Maintenance works on Myponga Beach Bridge are being planned with the contractor, with updates to follow.

Normanville Foreshore – A Boost for Summer

The district is set to welcome the summer season with significant infrastructure re-openings:

• Normanville Jetty: The Normanville Jetty has now reopened following significant repairs. Final inspections have been completed, delivering an excellent community outcome ahead of summer.
• Normanville Pontoon: The pontoon has been returned to the water following repairs to a damaged flotation element and the addition of marine foam to improve buoyancy and resilience. Expenses relating to the replacement floats were predominantly covered by generous donations from Belgravia, Forktree Brewing and Chief Catering. Normanville Surf Life Saving Club assisted with the reinstallation of the pontoon.

Coastal Infrastructure & Storm Recovery

Council continues to work through insurance processes relating to storm damage sustained earlier in the year, including to the northern and southern beach access ramps and the retaining wall in front of the Surf Life Saving Club.

The insurer has appointed Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec to assess proposed repair solutions. While a final response is pending, the report includes short-term recommendations that Council staff can implement to improve access ahead of summer. These works include placing and compacting sand under the southern access boardwalk and installing additional sand in front of the retaining wall. Officers are aiming to move sand into position ahead of the December Christmas holidays, pending necessary permission.

Second Valley Causeway

Repairs coordinated by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) are continuing and are on track for completion before Christmas, subject to favourable weather conditions.

Cheesman Street Naming Change

The process to change the road name from 'Cheeseman Street' to 'Cheesman Street' in Normanville, initiated following a community request regarding a long-standing error, is now complete, and new road signs have been installed.

November 2025

Welcome to this month’s Assets & Environment Update, where we share the latest progress on key infrastructure projects, environmental initiatives and maintenance works across the district.

For more details, you can read the complete November Assets and Environment Update Report, presented to Council this month.

Unsealed Roads and Patrol Grading

Scoping for this season’s Unsealed Roads Program is now complete, with works scheduled to begin in mid-November and continue through summer.

Lanacoona Road and Myponga Beach Road have been confirmed as sites, with construction on Myponga Beach Road starting the week of 10 November.

Crews also took advantage of recent rainfall, completing patrol grading on more than 15 roads during October. As the unsealed capital works program ramps up, patrol grading will shift to an as-needed basis.

Fire Prevention Works

The first stage of fire prevention activities is underway, with targeted weed spraying completed across a wide range of rural and township locations. Slashing will begin this month, starting with township areas before progressing to rural roadsides. Fire Prevention Officers have also commenced annual property inspections, with advisory notices now being issued where required.

Shoulder Maintenance Works

Shoulder maintenance locations identified is being finalised. At this stage works are scheduled for Range Road at Parawa and Carrickalinga Road in Normanville. Additional sites will be prioritised depending on available budget.

Finniss Vale Drive Upgrade

Council has secured $533,000 in funding for the Finniss Vale Drive upgrade through the Special Local Roads Program, a significant milestone for this project. Tender submissions are currently being assessed, with works expected to begin in late January 2026, after the holiday period, and finish by March–April 2026.

Bridge Maintenance

Several bridge improvements have progressed this month:
* Guard rails and shoulder stabilisation works have been completed on Rogers Road Bridge in Myponga.
* Structural repairs to the Carrickalinga footbridge have also finished, including the installation of 12 new supporting posts.
* A revised design for the Blacker Road Bridge has been costed, with timing to be considered as part of the 2026–27 Budget Process.
* Maintenance works on the Myponga Beach Bridge are being finalised, with a works schedule currently in development.

Normanville Jetty and Pontoon

Repair works on the Normanville Jetty are underway, with Southern Marine Resources commencing on-site works on 5 November. The jetty is expected to reopen in early December, ahead of the summer peak.

The Normanville pontoon has also been repaired following flotation issues. Its floats have been upgraded with durable marine foam to improve buoyancy and resilience, with reinstatement planned for later this month, pending weather conditions.

Coastal Infrastructure and Storm Damage

Insurance assessments continue for storm-damaged boardwalks and retaining walls along the Normanville foreshore. While insurance and engineering reviews are progressing, repairs are unlikely to be completed before Christmas.

Second Valley Causeway

DIT-led repairs to the Second Valley Causeway are continuing, with a stonemason now engaged to restore the external wall. Works are on track for completion before Christmas and are not expected to affect public access.

Footpath and Reserve Improvements

Footpath renewal works on Main South Road in Normanville were completed in October, with minor works in Myponga scheduled for mid-November.

At The Pines Park in Second Valley, preparations have begun for upgrades to improve safety, parking and amenity. The first stage, restricting vehicle access, will be completed before the December holidays, with remaining works to follow in stages.

Council will continue to provide monthly updates as these projects progress.

October 2025

Welcome to this month’s Assets & Environment Update, where we share progress on Council’s key projects, infrastructure works and environmental initiatives across the district.

We encourage you to read the October Assets & Environment Update Report presented to Council for more detailed information.

Coastal Storm Damage and Recovery

No new storm damage has been reported since July, but recovery and repair works are progressing across the district:

Normanville Jetty Repairs

The Normanville Jetty remains closed, but there is excellent news for residents and summer visitors: the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) has approved the repair works valued at more than $500,000 and confirmed they will fund the project in full.

Council has appointed Southern Marine Resources to undertake the repairs. The contractor has advised a 4 to 6 week lead time to prepare materials and equipment, with works to take approximately one month. This places the jetty on track for completion in early to mid-December, a fantastic outcome for our community and visitors ahead of summer.

Foreshore Access Ramps

Both the northern and southern beach access ramps at Normanville remain closed. Insurance claims have been submitted and are being assessed.

Surf Life Saving Club Retaining Wall

Minor sand movement works have been completed to protect the structure while the insurance claim is processed.

Second Valley Causeway

The causeway and jetty are open following emergency repairs by DIT. A stonemason has been engaged to restore the external wall, with works expected to continue over coming months, weather permitting.

Council’s Coastal Protection Grant application remains under assessment, with outcomes expected by the end of October. If successful, the grant will fund dune fencing, native planting, sand replenishment, and new beach access stairs at several coastal locations including Normanville, Carrickalinga and Myponga Beach.

Normanville Swimming Pontoon

The Normanville pontoon was installed on 13 October 2025, in accordance with the Risk Management Plan. However, shortly after installation, a flotation issue was detected and the pontoon was retrieved for assessment and repair.

Despite this setback, Council has successfully achieved its $10,000 sponsorship target to support the pontoon’s ongoing maintenance and operations. Sponsors include Belgravia Leisure ($5,000), Aqua Blue ($2,000), Forktree Brewing Co ($2,000) and Chief Catering ($1,000). Council extends sincere thanks to these local businesses for their generosity and community spirit.

Roads, Bridges and Footpaths

Unsealed Road Program

Inspections continue to prioritise renewal works within budget. At this stage, two projects have been confirmed for delivery this financial year: Lanacoona Road, Myponga and Myponga Beach Road, Myponga Beach.

Shoulder Maintenance Works

Initial works will take place on Range Road, Parawa and Carrickalinga Road, Normanville, with additional sites to be identified and prioritised subject to budget availability.

Finniss Vale Drive, Second Valley

Council has secured a $533,000 grant from the Special Local Roads Program, representing two-thirds of the total project cost. The preferred design option has been selected to align with the budget and tenders are now open for construction.

Bridge Maintenance

Roadside Services has been appointed to complete maintenance works on Rogers Road Bridge, Myponga, including the installation of new guard rails. Works are scheduled for completion by the end of November. Seacon has provided a quotation and is developing a works schedule for Myponga Beach Bridge.

Blacker Road Bridge

A revised, cost-effective design has been completed. The project will be considered as part of Council’s 2026–27 Budget process.

Footpath Renewal Program

Construction of the new footpath along the north side of Main South Road, Normanville (between numbers 7–19a) began in early October and is nearing completion.

Fire Prevention Works

Council’s Rural Services Team has commenced the first phase of the annual fire prevention program. Weed spraying has been completed across key areas in preparation for slashing over the coming month. This proactive work helps reduce fire risk ahead of the summer season.

Asset Management Plans Update

Council is implementing a structured Asset Management Road Map to improve data accuracy, planning and integration with long-term financial sustainability.

Key short-term priorities include:

• Updating outdated Asset Management Plans.
• Conducting high-risk condition audits.
• Establishing an Asset Management Working Group.

Condition audits have already been completed for buildings and recreation facilities, and updated plans will be presented in 2026. Work is also underway on the transport asset management plan, with completion expected by early 2026.

Fleurieu Coast Environment Reference Group (FERG)

The Fleurieu Coast Environment Reference Group (FERG) met on 29 September to discuss coastal management, First Nations engagement, the harmful algal bloom and review of the Southern Fleurieu Coastal Action Plan.

The Group’s Terms of Reference have been updated to include an objective supporting the protection of native plants and wildlife, including endangered populations and their habitats.

September 2025

Here are some highlights from September:

Coastal Storm Damage

No new storm damage has been reported since July, but recovery and repair works are progressing across the district:

• Normanville Jetty - The jetty remains closed due to extensive damage. An engineering assessment of storm damage has been accepted by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), who have asked Council to seek quotes for repairs.

Quotes have been received and forwarded to DIT for approval. If approved, the timeline for repairs can be confirmed and Council will be able to share this information with the community.

• Normanville Foreshore Ramps - Both northern and southern beach access ramps remain closed. Insurance claims have been lodged and are currently being assessed.
• Surf Life Saving Club Retaining Wall - Minor sand movement works are in place to provide temporary protection while an insurance claim is processed.
• Second Valley Causeway - The causeway and jetty have reopened following emergency repairs by DIT, with further heritage-approved works still to follow.
• Myponga Beach Stairs - The access stairs remain closed. Council is awaiting the outcome of a Coastal Protection Grant application before proceeding with replacement works.
• Coastal Protection Grant - Council has applied for funding to support storm recovery works, including dune fencing and planting at Myponga Beach, Carrickalinga and Normanville; the replacement of beach access stairs at Myponga Beach and sand replenishment at Normanville Beach.

Normanville Swimming Pontoon

Thanks to generous support from local businesses, Council has now secured $10,000 in sponsorships to cover the annual costs of the Normanville Swimming Pontoon. Belgravia, the management license holder of the Normanville Jetty Holiday Park, has committed $5,000 per year, with further contributions from three other local businesses bringing the total to the funding target.

Council is now working to secure contractors to reinstall the pontoon and its moorings, aiming to return it to the water in October 2025.

Roads and Bridges

Unsealed Road Program

Council staff are reviewing a list of roads prepared by external consultants, with onsite inspections helping to prioritise the renewal program for 2025-26. This will ensure the available budget is directed to where it is most needed. The updated list will be shared before works begin in the coming months.

Shoulder Maintenance Works

Planning is underway, with works expected to take place in autumn when conditions are most suitable. A full update will be provided once the schedule is finalised.

Finniss Vale Drive, Second Valley

Council has successfully secured a $533,000 grant from the Special Local Roads Program to help fund the upgrade of Finniss Vale Drive. This funding represents two-thirds of the total project cost and marks a major milestone in the delivery of this key project.

Design work is complete and cost estimates are now being reviewed before the project moves to tender.

Myponga Beach Bridge

A maintenance schedule is being developed following inspection and quotation from Council’s contractor. A further update on this project will be provided once we have certainty from the appointed contractor.

Blacker Road Bridge

A revised design has been completed and costed. Next steps will be considered as part of Council’s 2026–27 budget process.

Rogers Road Bridge, Myponga

Safety assessments have identified the need for guard rails on both sides of the bridge. Quotes are being sought, with works expected to begin in October/November.

Footpath Renewal

A high-priority project has been identified along the north side of Main South Road, Normanville (between numbers 7–19a). Design work is complete and quotes are currently being sought. A contractor is expected to be appointed later in September, with construction expected to begin in October/November.

5-Year Regional Landscape Plan

Council is contributing to the development of the next Hills and Fleurieu Regional Landscape Plan (2026–2031). This plan will guide how the region cares for land, water and nature into the future.

Over the coming months, the Landscape Board will engage with landholders, First Nations communities, councils, environmental groups and the wider public to shape the plan’s goals and priorities.