The South Australian government is investing $14 million to address the toxic algal bloom impacting the coast, matching a similar commitment from the federal government. This funding will enhance monitoring through advanced sensors and satellite imagery to track algae movements. Additionally, a local testing laboratory will be established, eliminating the need to send samples overseas for analysis.
Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasised the need to prepare for a prolonged presence of the algal bloom, underlining the government’s proactive stance. In efforts to protect fish stocks, $3 million has been allocated to study the bloom’s underwater effects. Community support initiatives, including beach clean-ups and $10,000 grants for small businesses, are also part of the funding plan.
However, the federal government has declined requests to classify the algal bloom as a natural disaster, prompting calls for a parliamentary inquiry. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young from the Greens critiqued this decision, suggesting that had the impact included dead marine wildlife on popular beaches, the response would have been different.
Premier Malinauskas defended the state’s funding decisions as ongoing support rather than a one-off payment, contradicting claims made by federal Environment Minister Murray Watt. He also stressed that criticisms regarding the timing of the funding should be disregarded, except for those from the opposition. In response, Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia has strongly disputed this, indicating that various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and fishing, have been requesting assistance for months.
As the situation unfolds, both the state and federal governments face scrutiny over their responses to this environmental crisis, with community and ecological impacts at the forefront of discussions.