December 2025 News Update
Seasons greetings supporters!
There are a number of opportunities for community feedback available over the December-January period, further information can be found below. For copies of FOWB’s submissions on these matters, please email the Secretary.
FOWB Committee
The FOWB AGM was held successfully in September, with an engaging presentation from Michael Cornish on the State’s new Biodiversity Act. Following the AGM, Bridget Gardiner was elected the new Chair of FOWB. Bridget has lived in Aldinga Beach for over 20 years and is passionate about protecting the beautiful natural environment of the area. There remain some places on the Committee, please email the Secretary if you are interested in joining us in our work.
Barossa development
As in the Willunga Basin, FOWB supports appropriate development in the Barossa Valley, as promoted in the Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Act 2012. The State Government is seeking community feedback on the Southern Barossa Winery and Tourism Project (SBWTAP) now, and formal submissions close on 17 December. For further information please see PreserveAndProtectBarossa.org for a short example submission you can adapt, and some suggested bullet points and wording you might refer to in a few sentences of your own.
Draft National Recovery Plan for the Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula
The Federal Government invites you to provide your feedback; submissions close 19 December. See here for more information.
Aldinga Airfield proposal
This is a new development application with minor modifications from last year’s abandoned application, out for public notification closing 5 January 2026. See here for more information. FOWB opposes the application which, it submits, fails the land use test for development within the Rural Zone on first principles. The proposal is also considered to be an anathema to the legislative intent of the Character Preservation legislation covering the McLaren Vale region.
Proposed bollards at Sellicks Beach
City of Onkaparinga are inviting you to provide feedback on a proposal to install permanent bollards along the existing no-vehicle zone at Sellicks Beach; submissions close 1 February 2026. This engagement follows a deputation presented to Council by Councillor Paul Yeomans and a subsequent notice of motion, building on previous community feedback by FOWB and others. See here for more information.
Aldinga Wave Park proposal
A further development application for a Wave Park at Tuit Road was lodged in September 2025, with minor modifications from the previous one. Public notification was again not required. See here for more information. A community letter of concern organised by four neighbouring residents was submitted to the City of Onkaparinga with several hundred signatures in support. We will keep you updated.
Update on City of Onkaparinga’s application for a personal watercraft exclusion zone between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach
In December 2025, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) – Marine Safety and Compliance advised that due to the current impacts of the algal bloom and the expected reduction in beach and boating activities this summer, they have put on hold any proposals or further community consultation on a motorised vessel exclusion zone. See here for more information.
Riviera Road, Sellicks Beach detention basin upgrade
City of Onkaparinga are upgrading the detention basin at William Eatts Reserve, Sellicks Beach to improve stormwater management in the reserve, with work commencing December 2025. See here for more information.
Dump Santos campaign
Conservation SA are calling on SA Labor to dump Santos from the Tour Down Under. See here for more information. A rally will be held January 16 in Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga.
Algal Bloom report
The Federal Senate Inquiry into Algal blooms in South Australia was released 11 November 2025 and can be accessed here.