Communities, small businesses and visitors are being left in the dark because the Government refuses to commit to daily updates on the algal bloom, according to Shadow Minister for Environment and MP for Finniss David Basham.

He says out of date information is harming unaffected areas. And the state government has failed South Australians with its handling of the ongoing harmful algal bloom crisis along the coast.

Mr Basham says the Government’s Algal Bloom website continues to list broad areas affected, which doesn’t take into account the local conditions and areas unaffected for months.

“This is an absolute slap in the face to coastal communities,” he says.

“People don’t need outdated websites telling them beaches are affected when they haven’t been for months, they need accurate, daily updates so they know whether it’s safe to swim, surf, fish or take their kids to the beach.

“The Government has chosen confusion over clarity. By refusing to commit to daily updates.

Labor is leaving people and businesses in limbo.

“I will continue to advocate for my local business community because the misinformation being spread on official Government sites.”

Mr Basham says local operators, tourism businesses, and health services are frustrated by the lack of clear and timely information.

“As we start school holidays, we see families changing their plans, tourists cancelling bookings and residents worried about their health.

“If the Government were to provide basic daily reporting it would go a long way to alleviating the anxiety in the community.

Mr Basham has called on the Government to immediately commit to daily, transparent beach safety updates, backed by clear health advice, so that South Australians can make informed decisions.

“Anything less is a betrayal of our coastal communities and small businesses who depend on the summer season.”