The federal and state governments are accelerating co-ordinated beach clean up patrols across South Australia’s beaches, supporting coastal councils to keep beaches clean amid the algal bloom.

The Algal Bloom Response Coordination Unit is leading the clean up patrols, drawing on expertise from Department for Environment and Water field officers, rangers and emergency services personnel, and working with multiple organisations to support coastal councils cleaning up dead fish and other marine life along South Australia’s beaches.

The clean up patrols will include:

• Disaster Relief Australia, a national veteran-led not for profit organisation, who will deploy 30 personnel to assist metropolitan Adelaide councils with beach monitoring and clean-up activities.
• IPA Rangers from the Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation, who will conduct daily patrols, record their findings, and coordinate clean-ups on prioritised beaches on Yorke Peninsula.
• The Goolwa Pipi Company will redeploy harvesting employees, currently laid off due to the closure of their pipi operation, to coastal patrols and clean-up from the River Murray Mouth to Encounter Bay.

Surf Life Saving South Australia will also partner with the beach clean-up effort, providing access to their facilities for staging purposes. 

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt says the work will enable ongoing monitoring work, while also keeping the beaches clean and safe for community use.

“We understand the impact this event is having on communities, and are working closely with the SA Government on response and recovery efforts.”

State Environment Minister Susan Close says the algal bloom has caused significant impacts along the coastline, and this clean-up patrol is about ensuring swift action to minimise harm to beaches and marine life.

“This is a whole-of-community effort — from Aboriginal rangers on Yorke Peninsula, to Surf Life Saving volunteers, to local councils and businesses — all bringing their expertise to protect the places South Australians cherish.”