More businesses will be eligible for algal bloom industry support, with the state government extending and expanding availability of business grants on offer.

The business support package has been made available through the $28 million algal bloom support package jointly funded by the federal and state governments.

The state government has been closely monitoring the rollout of business grants and working closely with industry representatives on the rollout of $10,000 Small Business Support Grants, and Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grants of up to $100,000.

As a result of this industry consultation, the government will make the following changes to grant criteria:

For the Small Business Support Grant:

• Extend the closing date from 12 September 2025 to 30 November 2025 and extend the requirement to demonstrate a decline in business turnover in any consecutive three-month period from 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025.
• Include in the eligibility criteria, commercial fishery or aquaculture license holders that have had their license fee waived by PIRSA.

For the Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grant:

• Extend the closing date from 12 September 2025 to 30 November 2025 and extend the requirement to demonstrate a decline in catch/harvest and decline in business turnover to any consecutive three-month period from 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2025.
• If a commercial fishery or aquaculture license holder can demonstrate a minimum business turnover of $75,000 in financial year 2023-24 or 2024-25 and has had its license fee waived by PIRSA, it is entitled to the immediate one-off Tier 1 $25,000 payment.
• If a commercial fishery or aquaculture license holder is approved for an initial $25,000 payment under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grant, then it is also entitled to a waiver of its licence fees.
• Reduce the requirement to demonstrate a minimum business turnover of $100,000 to $75,000.
• For Tier 1, reduce the requirement to demonstrate a 50 percent or more decline in catch/harvest in a consecutive three-month period to 30 percent.
• For Tier 2, reduce the requirement to demonstrate a decline in business turnover of 50 percent or more to 30 percent or more.
• For Tier 2, amend thresholds for additional amounts up to $75,000 as follows:
  1. $25,000 if business turnover in 2023-24 was above $200,000 (currently $300,000).
  2. $50,000 if business turnover in 2023-24 was above $400,000 (currently $500,000).
  3. $75,000 if business turnover in 2023-24 was above $600,000 (currently $700,000).

The government will continue to review the grant program and make further adjustments where necessary.

In addition to support grants, the state government has also waived fishing licensing fees for the September quarter, this follows the fees being waived for the June quarter. Fishing licensing fees will continue to be reviewed on a quarter-by-quarter basis, with fee relief extended if necessary.

An additional $160,000 will be invested in the Stay A Float program, which focuses on enhancing boating safety and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of individuals within the seafood industry.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says the government has committed to ensuring applications for support are processed within fifteen business days.

“We’ve said all along we would work closely with industry to ensure funds get to those who most need it, and these expanded eligibility criteria will assist to make sure that happens as the bloom continues to evolve.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says the changes have been made quickly based on the feedback from peak industry associations, roundtables and community forums, to expand the eligibility criteria. 

“The algal bloom is having a significant impact on many in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and these grants have been designed to provide immediate relief.”

The state government held one of a series of community forums on the algal bloom at the Victor Harbor Convention Centre on 12 August.

Premier Peter Malinauskas, cabinet ministers and scientific and public health experts updated the community on the latest developments and took questions.

The Business Victor Harbor Board held a private meeting with the Premier ahead of the forum.

They say it was a valuable opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics impacting local business — from economic growth, infrastructure, and tourism, to workforce needs and the ongoing effects of the harmful algal bloom on our coastal economy.

“We appreciate the Premier taking the time to meet with us, hear our perspectives, and share his vision for supporting regional South Australia.”