20 May 2025
The unprecedented toxic algae crisis engulfing SA beaches and killing marine life requires urgent action, say the SA Greens, who have today announced they will move a motion when Parliament returns to secure funding for research and remediation work in the June 5 State Budget.
The motion from Greens MLC Robert Simms will also call on the State Government to end subsidies to gas and oil as experts warn fossil fuels are contributing to the rising ocean temperatures ideal for toxic algae to spread.
Quotes attributable to Greens MLC Robert Simms:
“Experts say this toxic algae crisis is the worst marine event in our history - and it’s predicted to get even worse, which is why when Parliament resumes I will move a motion calling for urgent funding in the June 5 Budget to protect our beaches and marine life from this toxic threat.
“We need more than hopes and prayers from State Labor to protect our environment. We need urgent funding now to commence research and remediation work to protect our oceans, marine life and our beautiful beaches from this unprecedented toxic algae threat.
“My motion will also call on State Labor to cease its shameless cheerleading for new gas and to end all taxpayer subsidies for fossil fuels in SA. The experts are clear: gas is cooking our climate & our oceans, enabling this toxic algae to spread and kill our marine life.
“State Labor should take action to protect our beautiful beaches instead of pandering to their gas lobby.”
Melanie Selwood is the SA Greens lead candidate for the Legislative Council:
“Our environment is under unprecedented threat and the Government needs to act now.
“Fish, sharks, penguins, and leafy sea dragons are dying in shocking numbers while this toxic algae bloom bigger than the size of Kangaroo Island wreaks havoc on our ocean and our beaches.
“We need to stop our love affair with fossil fuels, and provide urgent funding now to investigate how this has happened and what we can do to mitigate and repair the environmental damage.”