KEY POINTS:
SA Unions today welcomed the South Australian & Federal Government’s commitment to business and workers within the state’s struggling fishing and aquaculture sectors, as part of the new $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan.
The new support package includes an additional up to $25,000 for the hardest-hit fisheries and aquaculture licence holders, dedicated to supporting their workforce.
The South Australian fishing and marine sector has been profoundly impacted by the algal bloom, with some businesses reporting revenue losses of up to 90% year-on-year and have been forced to consider staff redundancies to remain operational.
Casual, part-time, and full-time workers have been losing hours or their jobs entirely. If these jobs are lost now, many believe they might never return, especially in regional locations.
“This is a catastrophic environmental crisis, but it’s also catastrophic for the working families who keep vital regional industries running. This support is targeted, and it’s absolutely necessary.”
“It’s much better to prevent a regional community from losing its workforce, rather than trying to rebuild one after they’ve all moved away.”
“SA Unions have been clear: public money spent on relief must secure jobs, not just sure up balance sheets. This targeted funding to support workers and their families is a huge win and a massive step in the right direction.”
“This isn’t just about grants; it’s about keeping South Australians employed in our coastal communities. The most effective way to stimulate regional economies is to ensure local workers remain employed and spending in their community, and this money is going straight to that goal.”
