South Australia’s Algal Bloom Summer Plan has been announced with $102.5 million being jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, in addition to the current support package, including over $48 million in grants and initiatives for coastal businesses and communities.
The Chamber welcomes this additional funding, and we want to make sure that impacted businesses receive the assistance they need. We continue to monitor the situation and advocate to government for support to be fit for purpose as we head into the peak trading period, when many coastal operators earn a large share of their annual income.
Grants, fee relief & industry programs
Industry support grants for affected businesses have been extended, with applications now open until 31 March 2026. This includes:
Eligible businesses that have already received a grant under the initial support package will now be able to apply for a second grant if they can demonstrate a further separate three months of downturn.
An additional amount of up to $25,000 will be available for the hardest hit fisheries and aquaculture licence holders to support their workers.
Licencing fee relief for the fishing and aquaculture sectors has been extended through to 30 June 2026.
There’s also an Industry Response and Resilience Program with grants of up to $150,000 for commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders to invest in projects that build business resilience.
We’re aware some applications have been started but not lodged. If your business has been affected, we urge you to submit an application or contact the Office for Small and Family Business directly on 8429 0700 or via algalbusinesssupportgrants@sa.gov.au so a case manager can review your situation and work through eligibility with you.
Rural Business Support has also been engaged to provide free independent financial counselling to small and family businesses impacted by the algal bloom.
Other initiatives
The Summer Plan outlines new or expanded programs intended to drive visitation and spending in SA’s coastal communities, including:
In addition, there is $37.9 million committed to scientific research, monitoring and work to restore and protect the environment, plus around $16 million for a range of beach and coastal health, safety and community activities and communication.
Get more information
For the full Summer Plan and up-to-date Algal Bloom information, visit https://www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au/
For specific details on the grants and support being provided for businesses, including updated guidelines and contact details for the organisations delivering each initiative, visit https://www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au/help-and-resources
If you are having challenges accessing any of the support or have other concerns or ideas you would like the Chamber to raise with the government through the Algal Bloom Reference Group, please contact us at:
