Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt unveils $14m algal bloom disaster package

The federal Environment Minister has finally announced a plan to tackle the toxic algae crisis devastating SA’s oceans, but has not labelled it disaster funding.

Millions of dollars in federal funds to tackle the algal bloom crisis devastating the state’s oceans have been unveiled, after months of pressure over government tardiness.

As revealed exclusively by The Advertiser, federal Environment Minister Murray Watt on Monday afternoon unveiled a “one-off $14m package” to deal with the unprecedented extreme event, rather than specifically-labelled disaster funding.

Asked by The Advertiser if South Australians were owed an apology for a sluggish response compared to if the bloom had annihilated Sydney or Gold Coast beaches, Senator Watt said he had recognised the calls for a federal minister on the ground to deal with the situation.

“It’s obviously a very distressing event for all South Australians and, I think, the whole country,” he said.

“There’s no doubting whatsoever that this is a very serious environmental event facing South Australia.”

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt and Boothby MP Louise Miller-Frost at North Glenelg inspecting dead marine life. Picture: Tim Joy

The funds, which have yet to be allocated, are expected to be spent on beach clean-ups, scientific research, business assistance, communication and planning to mitigate future blooms.

A state Emergency Management Cabinet Committee will meet on Tuesday to determine an action plan, including the extent of more state funds.

Federal cabinet signed off on the package on Monday morning, with Senator Watt skipping parliament’s post-election resumption to visit Glenelg North beach on Monday afternoon.

Alongisde Boothby MP Louise Miller-Frost, Mr Watt saw first hand the marine mortalities South Australians have been confronted with for months.

Murray Watt inspecting dead marine life at Glenelg North. Announcement today from Minister Murray Watt of a $14m funding with regards to the algal bloom. Picture: Tim Joy

“I know these beaches are places that people like to walk with their kids, with their dogs,” Minister Watt said.

“I think one of the things about Adelaide is that it’s an ocean city, the ocean is a really big part of life in Adelaide and South Australia and it really tugs at the heartstrings for people to see this kind of thing happening on their beaches.”

Minister Watt said he could “understand” the criticisms that the Federal government would have acted sooner if the algal bloom was on the Eastern States.

“I understand that’s the perceptions of South Australians, they will make their own decisions about that, but my concern has been about trying to make sure we’ve got the resources to deal with this situation and as a result of that announcement today we do.”

Returning from a fortnight’s leave on Monday, Premier Peter Malinauskas revealed he had spent recent days pushing federal colleagues to unlock funding by declaring a natural disaster.

Both state and federal governments have been accused of inaction over the ocean carnage, with critics saying this would have triggered an outcry if east coast beaches were similarly devastated.

Tens of thousands of sea creatures have been killed, more than 400 species ravaged and the fishing industry cruelled since the devastating bloom was first detected off the Fleurieu Peninsula in March.

Premier Peter Malinauskas is expected to secure demands for millions of dollars in federal funding to tackle the state’s algal bloom crisis. Picture: Martin Ollman

South Australia's marine ecosystem is being rocked by harmful algal bloom leaving the seabed littered with dead and dying animals. Picture: Great Southern Reef Foundation

Mr Malinauskas on Monday attempted to defuse criticism of inaction by saying he had “been on the phone to the federal government in recent days advocating the state government’s position rather assertively” in a bid for “a significant financial contribution to the tune of millions of dollars”.

“This is a natural disaster. It should be treated as a natural disaster and I’ve made my view known very clearly to the federal government this morning, in advance of them having a cabinet meeting,” he said.

Mr Malinauskas also switched focus from climate change as the bloom’s cause, saying this and a marine heatwave had been “a significant contributor” but “not the only reason” – citing factors including nutrients from a past marine upwelling and River Murray floods.

But deputy opposition leader Josh Teague, whose party is demanding a royal commission, accused the Premier of being out of his depth as his ministers scrambled to address the crisis.

“Labor’s response to the algal bloom has been bungled from start to finish and there is total confusion and a lack of co-ordinating with their federal counterparts about what impacted industries and communities need in terms of relief,” Mr Teague said.

“Despite the scale of this crisis, we’ve seen an unacceptable lack of urgency from both the state and federal governments.

“We’re pleased to see Murray Watt take our advice to get off his arse and come to South Australia, but he shouldn’t be shamed into visiting a natural disaster under his watch.”

Nationals Leader David Littleproud attacked the federal government for failing to broaden legislative definitions to declare a natural disaster, saying it was sitting by and watching fishing industry “livelihoods be torn up”.

“Those fishermen, they are farmers as well, and I think that definition has been lost on many. It’s one of significance, definitely when you look at the impact, and I think we need to broaden those definitions, and as a parliament, we should do that,” he told Sky News.

Originally published as Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt unveils $14m algal bloom disaster package