Grim call on algal bloom horror
Suffocated by the bloom, thousands of dead sea animals have been washing up on South Australian beaches for months.
The bloom, which is thought to be the product of severe east coast flooding in 2022, has reportedly grown to twice the size of the ACT. Thousands of sea animals are washing up on South Australian beaches. Stefan Andrews / Great Southern Reef Foundation Credit: Supplied The dead marine life includes rays, sharks and seahorses. Stefan Andrews / Great Southern Reef Foundation Credit: Supplied
Senator Watt will on Monday brief cabinet on the catastrophe before flying from Canberra to Adelaide.
'We've said consistently that we're willing to support the South Australian government as they manage this event and the visit that I'm paying today will ensure that I can keep the cabinet well informed about what the situation is and what support may be required,' he said. Environment Minister Murray Watt says there is no 'overnight' fix to the algal bloom. Martin Ollman / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia
He also said it was 'a naturally occurring phenomena that is not going to be solved overnight'.
'We all want to see those beautiful beaches return to the state they're normally in,' Senator Watt said.
'We want to be able to see recreational and commercial fishers be able to get back to what they're doing and we want to see all those incredible species returned to health.
'We will continue working to support the South Australian government's response.'
The visit to Adelaide signals a change in the Albanese government's handling of the issue.
Senator Watt insisted as recently as last Friday that it was a state issue, brushing off concerns from the Greens and state-level MPs.
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