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Federal Government Pledges A$14 Million as South Australia Battles Unabating Toxic Algal Bloom

Federal ministers have limited support to A$14 million, arguing the bloom does not qualify as a national disaster despite state authorities declaring it one.

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Overview

  • South Australia invoked its natural disaster powers on July 15, activating a PIRSA-led taskforce to coordinate response and recovery.
  • Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt visited Adelaide on July 20, briefed cabinet and allocated A$14 million for beach clean-ups, scientific research and industry support.
  • The bloom spans over 4,400 km² of coastal waters, has killed hundreds of marine species and faces likely persistence through winter.
  • Fisheries, aquaculture and tourism industries have been disrupted, with many fishers reporting blank catches and oyster and pipi harvesting closures.
  • Experts link the outbreak to nutrient runoff from the 2022 floods, a marine heatwave since September 2024 and unusually calm seas that have accelerated algal growth.