More businesses eligible for SA algal bloom financial support

More South Australian 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, the closing date will be extended from September 12 to November 30. The requirement to demonstrate a decline in business turnover in any consecutive three-month period will also be extended from April 1 this year to October 31. Also commercial fishery or aquaculture license holders that have had their license fee waived by PIRSA will now be included in the eligibility criteria.

  
  

• For the Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistance Grant, the closing date will also be extended to November 30 and the requirement to demonstrate a decline in catch/harvest and decline in business turnover to any consecutive three-month period also extended to October 31.

  
  

Other changes to the grant availability can be viewed at pirsa.gov.au.

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.