Emma Pedler

Nov 25, 2024 | abc.net.au | Tim McGlone |Brooke Neindorf |Emma Pedler

The South Australian government has approved a plan to build a $330-million desalination plant on the Eyre Peninsula. The Billy Lights Point location near Port Lincoln has been a sticking point for some time and fishers are especially concerned about the impact it will have on their industry. Billy Lights Point was one of four sites mooted for the plant and the community and the Barngarla people, the traditional owners, voiced their opposition.

Oct 30, 2024 | abc.net.au | Tim McGlone |Emma Pedler

A surfer who lost his leg in a shark attack nine years ago is among those fighting for para surfing's Paralympic inclusion. Chris Blowes had been "completely obsessed" with surfing, hitting the waves three or four times a week, before the attack by a 5-metre white shark at South Australia's Fishery Bay. The traumatic incident flipped his "whole life" upside down and briefly stole his love of a sport that had been so key to his identity.

Oct 25, 2024 | abc.net.au | Emma Pedler

The boxer in the corner of the ring leans back, sweat dripping from his brow, arms resting out to his sides. Scottie Williams is taking a breather from a vigorous training session, days out from his first professional fight at the age of 43. "It's been a long time coming," he says. Williams has been boxing for the past 12 years, and has had success as an amateur, taking out gold in 2022 and 2023 in the novice 80 kilogram division of the Masters ring.

Sep 5, 2024 | abc.net.au | Emma Pedler |Amelia Costigan

It's been an exceptional whale season on the South Australian coast, where the return of southern rights — along with several rare white calves — after a mysterious absence last year is being celebrated by enthusiasts. Lower Eyre Peninsula whale watcher Marianne Stockham said she had seen 13 whales in Sleaford Bay on some days. And according to Ms Stockham, the behaviour of this year's group of migrating whales has been remarkable.

Aug 23, 2024 | abc.net.au | Emma Pedler |Amelia Costigan

In the seaside city of Port Lincoln, the bustling marina and prosperous agricultural port are a tribute to the success of the seafood industry and early pastoralism in one of the most arid areas of the country. But the prosperity and scenery belie a darker story of the settlement of the town. The Eyre Peninsula was the scene of some of the most violent encounters of the "frontier wars", which saw many men, women and children die from both local Aboriginal and settler communities.