Watch: harmful algal bloom community meeting

Published on 13 August 2025

Hundreds of community members came together for an algal bloom community information session at Port Noarlunga’s Arts Centre and online last Thursday 7 August and you can now watch the full video.

Like many coastal communities across South Australia, Onkaparinga is facing the serious impacts of a harmful algal bloom, which is affecting the health of our beaches and marine life.

The City of Onkaparinga-hosted forum featured presentations from leading ecologists and representatives from OzFish and Restored Connections, followed by a panel session with state government representatives, including Deputy Premier Susan Close.

A key aim of the session was to clarify the roles and responsibilities in the response, and it also covered health and safety advice for residents and pet owners, environmental impacts, the role of climate change, current response efforts and how the community can help.

The state government is leading the overall response to the harmful algal bloom, with the council supporting that response where directed.

The council’s role includes sharing accurate information, monitoring the coastline, assisting with clean-up efforts when nature can’t take its course, and supporting local businesses impacted by the event.

Its general approach to deceased marine animals that wash up on the beach is, “If it comes in on the tide, it goes out on the tide”. But when large numbers wash up and nature can’t take its course, the council steps in.

The council is also supporting climate action through its Climate Change Response Plan and Coastal Adaptation Plan.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the response to the community information meeting was enormous, and the level of engagement from the community reflects both the deep concern and genuine interest in understanding this complex environmental issue.

Watch the video online and stay up to date about the algal bloom via the state government’s algalbloom.sa.gov.au website, the council’s website and the Sustainable Onkaparinga Facebook page.