War of words breaks out as federal politicians tour algae-hit South Australia
A war of words has erupted as the federal opposition leader and environment ministers toured algae-affected areas along South Australia's coastline.
The visits came as a dead dolphin became the latest example of marine life washed up on the state's beaches.
"It was very distressing to see. I've never seen anything like that on our beaches before," a local resident said.
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The visits came as a dead dolphin became the latest example of marine life washed up on the state's beaches. 9News
"If this was Sydney, it would be a national disaster. But because it's Adelaide… it's not being seen."
Federal politicians today descended on the algae-affected areas, with Environment Minister Murray Watt heading into Gulf St Vincent, and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley visiting Ardrossan, on the Yorke Peninsula.
But the visits also brought a war of words over whether the outbreak should be declared a national disaster.
"There's been a view that a declaration of some kind is going to unlock federal funding. We have unlocked federal funding," Mr Watt said.
"Murray Watt can turn up with a clipboard and a whole package full of red tape, but he's not actually supporting these communities," Ms Ley said.
"This is a natural disaster, it's a national disaster and a nationally significant disaster."
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Opposition Leader Sussan Ley visits Ardrossan, on the Yorke Peninsula. 9News
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The South Australian Government is preparing for the possibility of the bloom persisting into the summer months.
$28 million in government support has already been announced, including 18 new regional testing sites to monitor the bloom.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
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