The cry for help from South Australians over the state’s sick coastlines has finally been heard, with the federal government stepping in with a $14 million assistance package to aid in dealing with and recovering from the devastating algal bloom.
The funding announcement came as federal Environment Minister Murray Watt visited South Australia and one affected area.
“[The assistance package] will involve, as I say, science and research, business assistance, clean up of beaches and community awareness,” Watt said.
However, specific details regarding the allocation of funds remain unclear.
Protestors gathered outside the State Administration Centre where Watt addressed the media. A key point of contention revolves around classifying the algal bloom as a natural disaster, which would unlock further funding.
However, the federal government has stopped short of taking that step.
“As the Commonwealth’s natural disaster framework currently exists, it doesn’t consider an event like this to be a natural disaster,” Watt said.
The South Australian fishing industry, while welcoming the federal assistance, has expressed concerns about potential long-term damage to its reputation.
Fishers are worried consumers could be deterred from buying South Australian seafood.
“We just want to let the public know that our seafood is safe to eat,” said Streaky Bay fisherman Jeff Schmucker.
Premier Peter Malinauskas echoed this sentiment, saying, “All of the South Australian seafood that we put on the market is not just safe to eat, it’s of the highest quality of anywhere in the world”.
The state government is also considering providing financial support for the recovery effort, with a decision expected following an emergency cabinet meeting tomorrow.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
