South Australia’s fishing and marine sector will receive a further $16 million in support — including grants of up to $275,000 per eligible business — under the State and Federal Governments’ expanded $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan.
The additional funding extends assistance first introduced under the initial $28 million package and targets four key areas: direct business grants, resilience investment, licence fee relief, and research into future mitigation measures.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the comprehensive Summer Plan is designed to support coastal industries while ensuring South Australians can enjoy their beaches this summer. “The State and Federal governments are serious about this, which is why we’re collectively investing more than $100 million into the Summer Plan,” he said. “Through our industry support measures, we’re backing our fishers and small businesses impacted by the algal bloom with the help they need now, while building the long-term resilience they’ll need for the future.”
Under the extended Industry Support Grants, eligible small businesses and licence holders who have already received funding will be able to apply for a second grant if they can show another three months of downturn. Grants include up to $10,000 for small businesses and up to $100,000 for fisheries and aquaculture licence holders unable to harvest their usual catch, with an additional $25,000 available for the hardest-hit operators to support staff wages.
The new Industry Response and Resilience Program, worth $3.5 million, offers grants of up to $150,000 for licence holders to invest in business-building or job-protecting projects. Licence fee relief — worth a further $4.5 million — will be automatically applied across the sector until at least June 2026, covering PIRSA annual fees, Biosecurity SA food safety audits, and aquaculture lease and quota charges.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the expanded program demonstrates effective cooperation between governments. “This is another example of the State and Federal Governments working hand-in-hand to protect jobs, safeguard the environment and strengthen regional economies,” he said. “We know how important these industries are — not just to the economy, but to the character and culture of South Australia’s coast.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the extension recognises the ongoing disruption facing the sector. “We have been continuously working with industry associations throughout this challenging time,” she said. “This round of funding includes additional investment towards strengthening research, which will help inform business decision-making and resilience into the future.”
Minister for Small and Family Business Andrea Michaels said the Malinauskas Government remains steadfast in its support. “We’ve already provided about $2 million in assistance to impacted businesses, and through our Summer Plan we’re delivering extra help to carry them through the summer period,” she said.
Seafood Industry SA chair Kyri Toumazos welcomed the measures, saying the government had listened and acted on key industry advice. “The Premier hasn’t just listened — he’s delivered on all the key asks,” he said. “We look forward to partnering with government to get these initiatives off the ground and provide desperately needed relief and assistance to the seafood sector and the coastal regional communities that rely upon it.”
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