Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator the Hon Murray Watt
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
The Albanese Government will invest up to $14 million to support the South Australian Government's efforts to combat the effects of the devastating algal bloom affecting state waters, and to improve preparedness for future events.
The Federal funding delivers on a request received yesterday from the South Australian Government and focuses on four priority areas: science and research, business assistance, community awareness and support, and clean up efforts.
As marine heatwaves and their impacts become more frequent, illustrated by this devastating serious environmental event, the Albanese Government is working to better protect our ocean and the communities, industry and marine species that depend on it.
Minister Watt is in Adelaide today to meet with the South Australian Government and inspect the current outbreak.
"The Albanese Government will continue to support the South Australian Government to address this extreme event," Minister Watt said.
"While the science has made clear that there is no quick fix for algal blooms, we are committed to supporting the South Australian community, industry and the environment."
"This funding is an important investment in working with the State Government on the heath and resilience of our oceans and coastal communities."
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said the Albanese Government is continuing to work closely with the South Australian Government to support fishers and aquaculture operators impacted by this devastating algal bloom.
"Immediate assistance is available to fishers and aquaculture operators experiencing financial hardship, including through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, which can provide free and confidential financial counselling."
"The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation has recently invested in a new project to isolate the culture of the particular algae species currently affecting South Australia to better understand the toxic effects, develop rapid early-warning and detection methods and examine the toxin threats to seafood production."
