Aquatic Industry Round table

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:14): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Can the minister tell the council about the recent aquatic industry algal bloom roundtable event?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:15): I thank the honourable member for his question and interest in this very important topic. South Australia's coastline is a cherished part of our way of life, and our government is listening and taking action and is committed to supporting affected communities and industries during this algal bloom event.

As part of this effort, last week our government, in collaboration with Surf Life Saving SA, hosted an algal bloom aquatic industry round table. This forum brought together key representatives from across South Australia's aquatic sport and recreation landscape, from sailing to diving to swimming to even dragon boat racing and many more. This round table provided an important opportunity for the sector to hear the latest information about the bloom directly from key agencies such as SA Health and DPC and experts including Professor Mike Steer from SARDI.

Surf Life Saving SA not only helped facilitate this session but also provided an important update about their learnings and the initiatives they are working on to help give confidence to the sector and the broader community. As the trusted carers of our beaches, it is Surf Life Saving SA, their staff and volunteers who have been on the ground since day one absorbing the feedback and seeing the impacts of this event firsthand.

I thank the many organisations who also participated in the Q&A at the end of the session. Their considered questions and ideas for next steps provided the expert panel with some practical ideas as we prepare for the upcoming summer season. I would also like to thank the Hon. Dennis Hood, shadow minister for sport, for taking up my invitation and joining this important discussion.

These sessions will continue to ensure the latest information is shared with the key aquatic sporting organisations which run events, deliver training and support community participation across our beaches and waterways so they are kept up to date. There is also a direct line to government to hear the feedback organisations are hearing from their members on the ground.

The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing is now coordinating feedback. This information, informed directly by industry, will help build on the government's response to the algal bloom event. The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing has also established a dedicated email for the sector to use to request information, advice or assistance, and report any issues of concern. The office will answer emails or forward them to the relevant government department for a response. A further meeting with the sector is being coordinated by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and is scheduled for Monday 22 September to continue the conversation and planning for summer activities.

Our government's $28 million support package is already helping fund clean-up operations and support small businesses, community groups, tourism and research. We know that South Australians love their beaches. I want to be clear: our beaches can still be enjoyed but at the moment it is best to stay away from foamy or discoloured water and to follow the health advice provided by SA Health. Once again, I thank the many who joined this important session and look forward to continuing these discussions as we work towards a plan for the upcoming summer season.