South Australian coastal councils are set to receive $1 million in funding to help with beach clean-up, following a toxic algal bloom affecting large stretches of coastline.
Announced as part of a joint $28 million state and federal package, this funding is intended to help councils manage the immediate task of removing countless deceased fish and marine animals from local beaches.
The bloom has had a devastating, wide-reaching impact, with some experts suggesting the 13,800 reported marine animal deaths accounts for less than one percent of the real figure – due to many deceased animals falling to the seafloor instead of washing onto beaches.
The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) is still seeking information from the state government about how councils can access the latest funding and will update the sector once it has more details.
The broader harmful algal bloom funding package includes support for:
- Scientific monitoring
- Community engagement
- Clean-up coordination
- Public information campaigns
- Assistance for impacted industries
A $3 million Community Fund and $2 million communications allocation are included and LGASA is seeking clarification on who can access these streams.
The Senate has also this week established an inquiry into the algal bloom crisis, led by South Australian senator, Sarah Hanson-Young.
Throughout the unfolding algal bloom crisis, local councils have supported state-led response efforts by:
- Sharing public health advice from state agencies
- Facilitating local information sessions
- Liaising with impacted businesses
- Installing beach signage to alert residents and visitors to potential health risks – particularly for dogs and other pets
South Australia’s 34 coastal councils are represented on the Harmful Algal Bloom Reference Group by the Adelaide Coastal Councils Network (ACCN) and South Australian Coastal Councils Alliance (SACCA).
Through these groups, councils are contributing to the work of the newly established Harmful Algal Bloom Taskforce, advising on recovery priorities, any communication gaps and the need for expanded scientific monitoring.
Timely and transparent communication between state and local governments remains critical to ensuring communities are well-informed and able to respond to evolving conditions.
At present, the algal bloom has not been classified by the Federal Government as a ‘natural disaster’ – largely because it is occurring in state waters.
LGASA has said that such a classification would trigger additional shared disaster funding arrangements between state and federal governments and potentially allow additional funds to flow to councils and affected communities.
For now, councils continue to support state-led response efforts with what resourcing they have.
LGASA said that it will continue to use its channels, including through the Harmful Algal Boom Reference Group, to push for:
- Improved access to real-time data and environmental monitoring
- Clearer and more consistent signage and risk communications for the public
- Regular updates and coordinated briefings for councils
- Mental health and community support initiatives
- Assistance to address economic and tourism impacts in affected regions
While immediate funding will help meet short-term needs, longer-term collaboration, resourcing and planning will be essential to protect coastal communities, manage ongoing impacts and ensure resilience to any future algal bloom outbreaks.
Latest information about the harmful algal bloom crisis can be found on the state government website.
