Details revealed for algal bloom cash splash
From today, small businesses impacted by the algal bloom can apply for up to $10,000, while commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders can apply for up to $100,000 of government support.
The funds are part of the joint state and federal $28 million funding package announced last week to mitigate the impact of the marine crisis.
The state government has committed to processing grant applications within 15 business days to ensure funds reach businesses in need quickly.
The announcement was made on Monday as the state cabinet travelled to Yorke Peninsula to speak with impacted businesses and communities.
“The state government’s industry support package has been deliberately calibrated to ensure support is being provided where it is needed most,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“The state government is committed to supporting local businesses and communities impacted by the algal bloom and while we all hope this algal bloom will clear soon, I want to make it clear that we stand ready to deliver additional support if and when it is needed.”
To be eligible for the $10,000 grants, a small business must demonstrate a 30 per cent decline in business turnover.
Eligible businesses include marine or coastal tourism operators, charter boat operators, seafood processors, coastal caravan parks and beachfront kiosks or cafes.
Businesses considered significantly impacted, like commercial fisheries forced to close or suffering large reductions in available seafood to catch, can apply for the $100,000 package.
This includes an immediate payment of $25,000 for fisheries or aquaculture license holders that are forced to close for over a month, or have suffered a 50 per cent reduction in catch or harvest for three months since April.
The SA Oyster Growers Association (SAOGA) welcomes the support, after 10 oyster farms have temporarily closed, some being shut for three months.
One site in the Port Lincoln harvest area and nine farms in Stansbury, American River, and Port Vincent remain closed due to elevated levels of brevetoxin associated with a naturally occurring algal bloom.
SAOGA Chairperson Peter Treloar said the closures were a precaution.
“These closures while important, are placing considerable financial pressure on affected growers, largely made up of small family-run businesses and are taking a toll on their wellbeing,” Treloar said.
“We welcome the state government’s response and the grant support, along with additional measures including new local testing capabilities and mental health assistance which will help ease the current pressures.
“We’re pleased to see the commitment to establishing a new national testing laboratory in SA, given current delays of up to 10 days for samples sent to New Zealand for analysis.”
Oysters from unaffected areas are still safe to eat.
A ‘Stay Afloat’ program of targeted mental health support to those in the impacted industry will be rolled out state-wide.
The government will also continue to waive fishing license fees for the September quarter, as they did in June.
Fishing licensing fees will continue to be reviewed quarterly to see if continued relief is necessary.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven says the state government has been working with the industry associations representing the sector to navigate the “unprecedented challenge” of algal bloom.
Stay informed, daily
“This assistance will support the commercial fishers and aquaculture operators who have been severely impacted by the algal bloom and harvest area closures and the waiving of fishing licensing fees will provide immediate hardship relief,” Scriven said.
“We know that the algal bloom is having significant flow-on effects on our coastal towns and this support has been tailored to provide relief across impacted regional communities.”
The opposition has criticised the cabinet’s visit to Yorke Peninsula, calling it a “PR stunt” for a photo opportunity.
“Instead of acting early and decisively, this Government only responds when the pressure becomes impossible to ignore,” said shadow minister for regional SA Nicola Centofanti.
“Our regional communities are sick of the spin.”
The ppposition is calling for the government to expand its relief package to include Covid-style Job Keeper rebates and full fee relief for fishermen.
They also want a Royal Commission into algal bloom, steps taken by the government and recommendations for future events.
Local tourism vouchers on the cards
Malinauskas told ABC Radio Adelaide on Monday that his government was “more than open-minded” to reintroducing tourism vouchers.
“We deployed that model, that voucher scheme for the Riverland floods, and it did make a difference, and it was quite successful,” Malinauskas said.
While he said it’s on the cards, it’ll likely not be introduced until summer.
“That’s certainly something that is on the cards, and we’re more than open-minded to it,” Malinauskas said.
“We think that that would be the type of policy you might pursue in the event that this starts to maintain its risk in the lead up to those summer months when there’s obviously tourism, although it operates year round, there’s also seasonal elements to it, particularly along our coastlines.”
This comes after Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia pushed for the “Great State Vouchers” to be used to encourage tourism for those hit by the bloom.
Tarzia said the scheme would help boost pubs, cafes, caravan parks, retailers and charter operators along the coast.
“These hardworking South Australians are paying the price for an environmental crisis that’s completely out of their control,” Tarzia said.
“We’ve heard from a number of communities that trade is down by at least 30 per cent this year, as people stop visiting our beaches, worried about the health and environmental impacts of the bloom.
“Between the impact on commercial fishing and tourism, many towns have suffered a double hit to their local economy.”
