State and Federal Government have combined for a $28 million dollar support package, in response to the algal bloom event’s ongoing impact across South Australia.
An Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet convened this morning to determine the state government’s contribution to the package, which was first introduced yesterday by Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt.
The algal bloom first appeared on Fleurieu beaches back in mid-March and has since grown into a devastating natural disaster, which has heavily impacted marine life, commercial fishers and coastal tourism.
The full details of the package are below, as provided by the State Government:
- Coastal Monitoring Network – investing in expanded early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species through real time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling, with rapid detection of harmful algal blooms and early warning systems for industry. ($8.5m)
- New national testing laboratory in SA for harmful algal bloom and brevetoxin/biotoxin testing. Currently, samples are sent to New Zealand for analysis, resulting in delays of up to a week. ($2m)
- Rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries to quantify impact, including modelling ecological impacts on near shore marine ecosystems and all sanctuary zones utilising remote underwater video surveys and dive surveys. ($3m)
- Citizen Science – rapid meta-analysis of citizen science records and documented ecological impacts to provide a baseline understanding from which to assess recovery.
- Develop a dedicated harmful algal bloom response plan for future bloom events.
- Harmful Algal Bloom Taskforce to meet every Thursday, with a media conference to follow to keep the public informed on latest developments.
- Public forums for impacted coastal communities and a trusted single point of information and contact for timely, accurate, and clear communication to industry and the public including a single phone hotline, website, consistent physical signage and information.
- Public information campaigns focused on rebuilding confidence and driving visitation to our coastal regions and marine based tourism businesses and promoting the seafood industry and benefits of recreational fishing.
- Community Fund to support activities and small projects in affected communities.
- Beach clean-up funding for local government to assist cleaning up dead fish and marine life.
- $10,000 Small Business Support Grants for eligible small businesses.
- Financial counselling, mental health support and workforce advice to assist small businesses impacted by the harmful algal bloom to develop recovery and continuity plans, understand the short and long-term implications, and help manage financial and mental wellbeing.
Listen below to Primary Industries Minister Claire Scriven speaking about the package with ARN Regional’s Chris Guscott, on Around SA this afternoon:
