South Australian businesses affected by the ongoing algal bloom crisis are increasingly frustrated by the red tape surrounding the state government’s relief package — with many unable to access support at all, according to Finniss MP David Basham.

“The bloom has been a kick in the guts for coastal communities since March — but instead of cutting red tape, the Government is tying it tighter,” Mr Basham says.

The Algal Bloom Small Business Support Grant has come under fire for its restrictive eligibility criteria, which require businesses to be members of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) — excluding many local operators from even applying.

To make matters worse, the grant only assesses business downturn from 1 April onwards, Mr Basham says, despite many local businesses seeing dramatic drops in trade starting in March.

“It makes absolutely no sense,” he says. “Why should the Fleurieu be penalised just  because we were hit first and hardest?”

“Our region has now suffered through two school holiday periods under a cloud of uncertainty, beach closures and loss of visitor confidence. It’s impacted everyone — from surf shops to cafés, tour operators to accommodation providers — whether they’re listed on ATDW or not.”

Meg has operated Kombi Surf in Middleton for over a decade and says the business has, “never seen anything like it.”

“We rely on the coast — and so do our customers. This bloom has scared people off, and now the Government is making it impossible to access help. We’ve done the hard yards; now we’re being left behind.”

Meanwhile Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has announced that public submissions are now open to the federal parliamentary enquiry established by her party.

“The environmental and economic catastrophe of the algal bloom tragically continues to wreak havoc along South Australia’s coast.

“My top priority when parliament resumed was to establish a parliamentary inquiry into this crisis. I’m pleased to say it is officially set up and will be an important step in ensuring that South Australians aren’t left to manage this on our own.

“Public submissions are now open and I encourage every member of the community to share your stories, experiences, and suggestions in a submission.

Find out how to make a submission online.