SA premier defies Canberra and declares toxic algae bloom a ‘natural disaster'
On Tuesday, South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas said some of the funding is for immediate relief.
'We've asked for $14 million which is a line to a suite of measures that we have formulated as a state government and we believe will make a difference on the ground,' he said.
'We are saying as a state government, and this is where I guess there is a point of difference between us and our federal colleagues, that we believe this should be declared as a natural disaster formally. That would unlock federal funding.
'This is a natural disaster, I think it needs to be treated as a natural disaster.'
There will be small business grants for $10,000 to eligible businesses along with financial counselling, mental health support and workforce advice.
This will also be in addition to previous fee relief and $1500 direct support payments to affected primary producers.
Funding will also include public information campaigns to rebuild confidence in impacted industries, as consumers remain uncertain about the safety of SA seafood.
A further $8.5 million towards a coastal monitoring network to be established was announced along with a fresh $2 million for a national biotoxins and algal blooms testing laboratory in SA.
Malinauskas said $3 million would be set aside for a rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries as the algae event has killed thousands of fish and marine life across the Fleurieu and Yorke peninsulas.
The SA Government has also flagged its intention to analyse citizen science records and develop a dedicated harmful algal bloom response plan for future events.
Local councils will also receive funding for beach clean-ups.
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Stefan Andrews courtesy Great Southern Reef Foundation Credit: Supplied Shadow Water, Fisheries and Forestry and Emergency Management Minister Ross Cadell spoke to ABC Radio earlier this week about the emotional and economic impacts of algal blooms on local communities. 'You walk along the Ardrossan wharf and see garfish and King George whiting on the ground dying,' he said. 'You talk to the businesses and the Port Vincent gift shop is down (in sales) 15 per cent. 'The Stansbury caravan park, in the 48 hours before I got there, (had) 10-12 cancellations of November holidays because people are fearful of going in the water.' SA Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the Commonwealth government had provided a $14 million care package to South Australia which 'covers industry support, science and research, communications, community support and clean-up'. 'I want to thank the Commonwealth for their contribution … towards this effort,' he said 'We stand ready to deliver additional support if and when it is needed.'
