Grievance Debate

Algal Bloom

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (15:22): We have just heard that the Premier is on another trip. Maybe before he packs his bag for the United Kingdom he could unpack his plans for that summer plan that South Australians are desperately waiting for in terms of what is happening with this summer plan. We are now in spring and still there is no summer plan for this algal situation.

The first matter that I want to talk about is the harmful algal bloom, because we know we are already in spring. Over the last week, we have again learned of organisations, this time Surfing Australia, which has unfortunately made the decision to relocate one of its championships, the 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles, which was originally planned for the Fleurieu Peninsula in November.

In this place, we were actually told that the decision was made following discussions with the Premier's office, which provided Surfing Australia with modelling apparently to inform their decision. It is extremely disappointing for not only local surfers but also local businesses to hear this news, because they were anticipating widespread economic activity that naturally comes from the holding of such an event, but unfortunately it has been moved.

Curiously, Surfing Australia has not cancelled the Australian Boardriders Battle event, scheduled for just six weeks' time, despite local reports, unfortunately, of the re-emergence of dead fish washing up like never before at Waitpinga beaches yesterday. It begs the question as to what is the modelling showing and, more concerningly, what about the mixed messages coming from these decisions? Like the health advice, sometimes, I have got to say, it has been as clear as mud, or as clear as foam as the case may be. Our beaches have become what some are saying is a complete health hazard.

We know the algal bloom, unfortunately, is choking parts of Gulf St Vincent and beyond. It is not just an environmental crisis, it truly is a public health issue. From Victor Harbor all the way through to Henley Beach, residents and visitors have actually reported flu-like symptoms: sore eyes, persistent coughs and even asthma-like symptoms. You just have to go through social media at the moment to see some of the commentary from locals.

Households even some distance from the shore are feeling the effects as airborne particles drift through communities. Whether it is surfers or swimmers, they have been forced from the water after suffering sometimes even breathing difficulties. In August, this affected entire stretches of Henley Beach; I saw it for myself with my own eyes. These beaches were smothered in thick white foam, leaving locals coughing and wheezing. I can report to the house that I went there with the member for Morphett and our candidate for Colton, and there were so many people who had impacts like headaches and things like that. It had quite severe consequences on those who were spending an extended period of time out there.

Authorities might insist that the algae is not toxic, but tell that to the parents who are having to constantly comfort children with things like burning eyes and to the elderly who are struggling to sometimes catch their breath when they walk along the beach. So the government's complacency is as suffocating as the bloom itself. It really is. We know that their response has been lacklustre and it has been flat-footed. We know that Labor has known about the risks of the algal bloom since 2023 and a $4 million request for 10 years—$40 million—was denied. They are lacklustre, they are flat-footed and they seem to be making it up as they go along.

We know this disaster was sparked by, amongst other things, warmer seas, nutrient run-off, conditions that we know are worsened by climate change, but also poor planning. Now, without decisive action, these blooms will get bigger and they will get deadlier. South Australians should not have to choose between their coastline and their health. The time for saving face is over and the time for saving our marine life and our coastal livelihoods is now. That is why we need a summer plan and we need it fast while we are in spring and these events are just around the corner.

Before closing, I also want to place briefly on record my sincere condolences to the family and friends of surf lifesaving stalwart John Baker, who passed away suddenly last month. He was affectionately known to many of us as JB and beloved by his community. I worked with him very closely when I was Minister for Emergency Services. As Surf Life Saving Australia's seventh president, JB's leadership saw the organisation truly flourish into a nationally trusted institution. He had a vibrant spirit, irreverent humour, love for family, mates and surf lifesaving, and he touched countless lives when he worked with people. Having worked with JB for some time now, I can attest to his incredible chutzpah with which he went about his work, matched only by his quick-wittedness. Vale John Baker. You will be deeply missed.