The South Australian Government has unveiled a further package of grants to help small businesses which have been hit hard by the state’s ongoing algal bloom crisis.
Tourism-dependent businesses – such as caravan parks, coastal tourism operators, and fishing charters – will be among those eligible for grants of up to $10,000.
The Karenia Mikimotoi bloom was first reported in the Fleurieu Pensinsula back in March and it has gone on to kill thousands of fish, as well as sharks, dolphins and rays.
Many caravan parks in affected areas have reported a dramatic drop-off in business and a wave of booking cancellations.
The State Government said it was committed to supporting local businesses and communities impacted by the issue.
The algal bloom crisis is affecting tourism in coastal areas of SA. PIC: Department for Environment and Water
“We know that the algal bloom is having significant flow-on effects on our coastal towns and this support has been tailored to provide relief across impacted regional communities,” said Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.
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% decline in business turnover.
Eligible businesses include:
The SA Government said also that, in recognition of the fact some commercial fisheries had been forced to close or have suffered a significant reduction in available seafood to catch, grants of up to $100,000 would be made available for those of them significantly impacted by the algal bloom.
Deputy Premier, Susan Close, said the small business and commercial fisheries grants were in addition to the previously announced fee relief provided to commercial fishers, aquaculture and charter boat operators.
“The State Government will continue to work with the fishing and tourism industries to support them through this difficult time, as well as exploring research priorities to mitigate future outbreaks and the effect it has on industry,” she said.
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It’s great they are getting some relief, it’s amazing what climate change is doing o our world. The cost to Australia is huge, all the resent fires, floods and droughts. We all need to think about our use of fossil fuels. We now tow with an electric vehicle.
while I agree climate change is a real problem that needs to be addressed across the globe.
Australia is heading in the right direction, but it really annoys me when other countries point the finger at us, and say you must do more and now.
Australia produces around 465 tonnes of pollution a year
America 6343 tonnes, and Chine 12.6 gigatonnes.
I think the world needs to point the finger at these countries before pointing at us, at least Australia is trying hard to reduce our green house gasses etc.