Algal Bloom Aid Expands to More Businesses
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 Albanese and Malinauskas 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
For the Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grant
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.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
These algal bloom business grants are among the most generous in the state’s history.
They’re significantly larger, with lower eligibility requirements than those offered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
We’ve committed to ensuring applications are processed within fifteen business days.
As put by Clare Scriven
We have acted 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.
We want to make sure this relief is accessible to those in need and we will continue
to assess the rollout as we navigate this unprecedented challenge.
As put by Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt
The Albanese Government is pleased to work alongside the Malinauskas Government to deliver the jointly funded $28 million response and recovery package.
These changes today are a result of governments listening to industry and adapting to changing conditions.
At our business roundtable in Adelaide last week, businesses made clear that while the grants were very welcome, there was room for the program to be updated to suit current conditions, and that is now happening.