Rising algal levels near Adelaide’s jetties have prompted increased scrutiny of government responses, particularly following an inquiry from a concerned resident on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Deputy Premier, Susan Close, must have had her phone light up on April 29 with this press inquiry about the algal bloom. The issue was later escalated to Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven’s office. Scriven’s office sent a detailed response to the referral, saying they could not completely accept the referral. They highlighted that the letter was primarily focused on rebuilding marine ecosystems.
On May 20, Close’s home basis called seeking clarification. They were concerned to know that the answer to the letter had been agreed. A reply came from Scriven’s office on May 21, but it arrived three weeks after the resident’s initial concern about the algal bloom. Though the outbreak is still ongoing, their state government is actively working to combat the initial outbreak of algae blooms.
Government Responses Under Scrutiny
The algal bloom taskforce’s first quarterly meeting was held recently, discussing the latest developments. To its credit, the state government began posting weekly water testing results for 17 metro sites. These findings record dramatic increases in algae cell numbers, notably at sites such as Grange and Largs Bay jetties. It was a reality check to see the data showing high levels along portions of the Port River and West Lakes.
Local residents have spoken about their frustrations with the harmful algal bloom. They’ve witnessed the environmental disaster firsthand—watching dead fish wash up on the shores. The officials who Gov. Ms. Centofanti, a member of the affected community, said she never heard anything about holding anyone accountable from public servants.
“What we saw from the … the deputy premier and the minister for primary industries was a continual buck-passing and a lack of leadership.” – Ms Centofanti
Deputy Premier Close acknowledged some bureaucratic delays in the response process but emphasized that the government is treating the algal bloom with seriousness.
“I’m sure that there’s bureaucratic or administrative dillydallying that happens from time to time across government, I’d never deny that that happens,” – Ms Close
She stressed that various dimensions of the issue complicate responses, noting that health advice and natural environmental concerns fall under different jurisdictions.
“With this particular issue, naturally, there are lots of dimensions to it,” – Ms Close
Expert Insights on Algal Behavior
Professor Mike Steer has shared fascinating scientific explanations on what makes the algal bloom so dangerous, recently calling it a “pulsating” bloom. He stressed that forecasting its demise will be very difficult. As for the outbreak, he recommended expecting its continuation into the summer, not as an alarmist statement.
“It would take a pretty bold person today to predict that it would be absolutely gone by then,” – Premier Peter Malinauskas
Steer encourages advocates to take proactive measures when developing a summer plan in order to minimize impacts. His comments illustrate the nebulous nature of the poison bloom’s path and what impacts it could have on local ecosystems.
“It’s prudent for the emphasis to be put into a summer plan.” – Professor Steer
Even with these challenges, Premier Malinauskas recognized the good news, encouraging progress, and warned of being over-optimistic.
“We’re seeing a trend in a positive direction, but that needs to be maintained for some time before they will be in a position to be able to sell.” – Premier Peter Malinauskas
Community Concerns and Future Actions
Community members are understandably still worried about what increased algal blooms could mean for their health. Many are especially concerned about the public health and environmental impacts due to the algal bloom. In response to recent government responses, our constituents have made it clear that they want stronger and clearer action taken.
The state government continues to keep a sharp eye on water quality. They are looking into the possible health risks associated with the continuing algal bloom. Officials are taking steps to develop strategies that will serve both short-term public safety needs and long-term ecological restoration.
Elected officials, advocates, and experts are continuing this important conversation. Residents say they want more decisive leadership and transparency in tackling this environmental crisis. Because things are still in flux, stakeholders on all sides are intently watching and waiting to see how this plays out.
