Algal Bloom

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (14:36): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister please update the chamber on the recent algal bloom forums?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:37): I thank the honourable member for his question. I am pleased to provide an update on the algal bloom forums held across our state so far. The fora have provided part of the state and federal governments' $28 million crisis response package to address the algal bloom impacting the South Australian coastline.

To date, we have held 20 community forums that have been a crucial point of engagement with stakeholders and community members to ensure our response is informed by those who are there experiencing it, seeing it, giving us their perspectives, and therefore targeted to where it is needed the most. The forums have provided updates on the response and recovery efforts, including the latest science, public health advice and support measures for affected communities and industries.

They provide an opportunity to hear from government leaders, including ministers, and expert insights from Professor Mike Steer and the scientific team involved. Presentations are provided as a trusted single point of information, and the expert panel conduct question and answer sessions at each forum, listening to each and every one and providing active engagement with the communities.

I most recently attended the forum held in Port Parham near Dublin. The region is home to a number of commercial fishers who operate out of the area. I would like to thank the Port Parham and Dublin communities as well as Tony Piccolo MP, member for Light, for attending this event, and also Penny Pratt, the member for Frome, was in attendance. We were able to listen to the information provided and, in turn, analyse some of the positive and constructive feedback and ideas.

The state government is assisting commercial fishers through the algal bloom through offering fisheries and aquaculture assistance grants of up to $100,000; small business grants of $10,000; Algal Bloom Resilience Grants of up to $150,000; fee relief extended until at least the end of June 2026; business support through the Rural Financial Counselling Service and Family and Business Mentors program; and mental health support through additional funding for the Stay Afloat program. We will continue to work with relevant industry associations representing the fisheries and aquaculture sectors to monitor the rollout of assistance and ensure the support is reaching where it is most needed.

I was also pleased to recently attend the Normanville forum to inform the Normanville and Fleurieu communities about the state government's $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan, which will assist communities and industries as we continue to manage the impacts of not only the bloom but also the perception of the bloom. Many communities where the bloom has not been detected, or it has moved away from, are also impacted.

It is another reason why the forums and the algal bloom website are so important in getting the most up-to-date and accurate information so that people can make informed choices this summer. The beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula and coast, along with many other spectacular coastal destinations across our state, offers so much to see and do, and I encourage all South Australians to get behind them and support our regional communities.

The next algal bloom forum is scheduled to be held on 14 November in Mount Gambier. All forums are free to attend, and I look forward to another well-attended event. We are keen to listen to our community members and stakeholders during this engagement opportunity.