A Liberal MP says both the State and Federal Government have been flat footed on the issue of the region’s algal bloom.
The State Opposition has called for a royal commission into the bloom, investigating its causes and consequences, as well as steps to prevent a repeat of the crisis.
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Regional South Australia, Nicola Centofanti, says scientists and fishers raised concerns months ago, yet the Government response has been frustratingly opaque.
“I think it appears this Government were hoping [the bloom] would go away with the change of weather but the reality is on the ground is it’s spreading [and] it’s getting worse,” she said.
“They don’t seem to have any plan as to how they are going to minimize the damage, not just in the short term but in the medium to long term future.”
Meanwhile, Eyre Peninsula oyster growers Gazander Oysters are reminding everyone the region is still open for business.
In a Facebook post, the company said 93 per cent of SA’s aquaculture-raised seafood comes from the Eyre Peninsula, and supporting these producers directly help the small businesses that depend on them.
They say when other impacted communities are able to fish and farm again, we must be ready to back them.
