City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Lauren Jew addressed a Federal Senate inquiry into SA’s harmful algal bloom yesterday – less than a fortnight after urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to commit to extra measures in Canberra.
Acting Mayor Jew and Mid Coast Ward Councillor Gretel Wilkes (who attended as chair of the Adelaide Coastal Councils Network) travelled to the nation’s capital as part of a delegation of South Australian mayors, industry leaders and marine experts in late August.
Acting Mayor Jew said the delegation met with the prime minister, federal opposition leader Sussan Ley, key federal ministers, senators and departmental heads to present them with the “stories, facts and asks” about the bloom.
“One of the key items we requested as a delegation was a national framework to address the algal bloom,” said Acting Mayor Jew, who also advocated for Onkaparinga’s community and Council-endorsed priorities.
"By the end fo the day, it was clear all parties understood that algal blooms are dynamic like fires and can be long lasting like droughts. This recognition was an important step as it demonstrated the need for bespoke measures and a coordinated approach similar to the frameworks already in place for the increasing impact of climate change, including bushfires and drought.
“The other key point was the need for baseline data and investment in long-term monitoring. The Great Southern Reef is 4 times as big as the Great Barrier Reef, yet funding for the Great Southern Reef pales in comparison.
“There was bipartisan support across parties, acknowledging the significance of the algal bloom. A press conference coordinated by Rebekha Sharkie MP, co-chair of Parliamentary Friends of Great Southern Reef, brought together all major political parties, demonstrating the shared commitment to addressing the scale of the challenge and the urgent need to act.
“In the week leading up to the delegation I collected more than 200 pieces of art from children and young people, highlighting their love for the ocean and their concern for its future. I handed a copy each to the PM, Health Minister Mark Butler, and federal MPs Amanda Rishworth and Rebekha Sharkie.
“Overall, it was great to collaborate with other coastal councils, the tourism industry and scientists, and the delegation demonstrated the impact local government can have on the national stage now and into the future.”
The Great Southern Reef Harmful Algal Bloom Delegation to Canberra was initiated by City of Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson with support from LGA South Australia President Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross.
The delegation’s requests echoed key recommendations of the LGA’s formal submission – together with the Adelaide Coastal Councils Network and South Australian Coastal Councils Alliance – to the Federal Senate Inquiry into Algal Blooms in South Australia. You can read it in full on the LGA’s website.
Acting Mayor Jew also spoke at the first hearing of the Federal Senate’s inquiry in Seacliff yesterday.
She emphasised the impact the bloom was having on Onkaparinga’s communities, marine environments, businesses, health and council operations; outlined the actions the council was taking to address the bloom’s impacts; and reiterated calls for further action.
“Right now, collaboration is key,” she said.
“As well as the much-welcomed recent funding announcements, we’re counting on the federal government’s commitment to emissions reduction and the state government’s provision of clear, evidence-based information, so councils like us can fulfill our role of supporting the liveability of our places into the future.”
For more information on the harmful algal bloom, visit the state government’s website, and the City of Onkaparinga’s webpage.
The Department for Environment and Water is hosting a Harmful Algal Bloom Community Forum in Port Noarlunga on Monday 22 September, which is free and open to all, but registration is necessary due to venue capacity.