Up to $100,000 for hardest hit by algal bloom

South Australian small businesses impacted by the algal bloom will be eligible for grants of up to $10,000, while hardest hit commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders can apply for up to $100,000 in support, as the State Government unveils details of the industry support package.

State Cabinet travelled on Monday to the Yorke Peninsula to speak with businesses and communities hit by the algal bloom.

As part of the $28 million support package, small businesses will be able to apply for $10,000 grants if they can demonstrate a 30 per cent decline in business turnover.

• Eligible businesses include:
• marine or coastal tourism operators
• charter boat and fishing charter operators
• marine-based sport and/or schools (e.g. surf school)
• commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders
• seafood processors
• marine/fishing supply chain manufacturers/retailers (e.g. tackle shops, suppliers)
• coastal caravan parks and camping grounds and accommodation
• beachfront kiosks/cafés

In recognition some commercial fisheries have been forced to close or have suffered a significant reduction in available seafood to catch, grants of up to $100,000 will be made available for significantly impacted businesses.

This will include:

• Immediate payment of $25,000 for fisheries or aquaculture licence holders forced to close by authorities for more than one month or a 50 per cent reduction in catch/harvest for a three-month period since April.
• An additional payment of up to $75,000 where a 50 per cent reduction in turnover can also be demonstrated. Payments will be tiered based on turnover.

Businesses can apply for grants from 9am tomorrow and the State Government is committing to processing applications within 15 business days to ensure money is getting out the door to those who need it.

In addition to support grants, the State Government will also waive fishing licensing fees for the September quarter, this follows the fees being waived for the June quarter. Fishing licensing fees will continue to be reviewed on a quarter-by-quarter basis, with fee relief extended if necessary.

Mental health assistance will also be provided, including funding for the ‘Stay Afloat’ industry mental health program to be rolled out across South Australia.

The industry support is in addition to other measures already announced, which includes:

• Coastal Monitoring Network – investing in expanded early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species through real time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling, with rapid detection of harmful algal blooms and early warning systems for industry ($8.5 million).
• New national testing laboratory in SA for harmful algal bloom and brevetoxin and biotoxin testing. Currently, samples are sent to New Zealand for analysis, resulting in delays of up to a week ($2 million).
• Rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries to quantify impact, including modelling ecological impacts on near shore marine ecosystems and all sanctuary zones utilising remote underwater video surveys and dive surveys ($3 million).
• Community Fund to support activities and small projects in affected communities ($3 million).
• Beach clean-up funding for local government to assist cleaning up dead fish and marine life ($1 million).
• Public forums for impacted coastal communities and a trusted single point of information and contact for timely, accurate, and clear communication to industry and the public including a single phone hotline, website, consistent physical signage and information.
• Public information campaigns focused on rebuilding confidence and driving visitation to our coastal regions and marine based tourism businesses and promoting the seafood industry and benefits of recreational fishing ($2 million).
• Develop a dedicated harmful algal bloom response plan for future bloom events.