5 November 2025
The Greens are urging the State Government to review its health advice and tourism recovery program after new evidence was provided to State Parliament’s Algal Bloom Inquiry this afternoon.
Officials from the Primary Industries & Regions SA, and the South Australian Research & Development Institute confirmed that karenia cristata, a brevotoxin-producing species, is the most prevalent species of algae found in the ongoing bloom.
Mayor of Port Lincoln Diana Mislov also informed the inquiry that only 8 accommodation providers participated in the first round of tourism vouchers offered by the State Government, which was subject to an opt-in process that lasted for only one week.
“Given that it is now confirmed that a new species of algae has been discovered for this first time in South Australian waters, it is important that SA Health reviews its advice and ensures it’s providing consistent public messaging that aligns with this latest evidence," said Greens MLC Robert Simms, who is Chairperson of the Inquiry.
“I think many in the community will also be asking why it took so long to identify this new species, and this certainly underscores the need for ongoing testing and monitoring."
“It’s also concerning to hear that there was so little uptake in Port Lincoln during the first round of the Government’s tourism voucher program. Coastal communities reeling from the impact of this harmful algal bloom are relying on the State Government’s support to recover, and they must urgently review their approach so that the second round planned for December is a success.”