SA announces grants up to $100,000 on offer for algae-hit businesses

The South Australian government has announced a new phase of financial assistance for businesses impacted by the toxic algal bloom lingering off the coast, with commercial fishers now eligible for six-figure grants. 

Government representatives travelled to the Yorke Peninsula today to assess the effects of the bloom on local businesses.

"Our cabins are almost empty," caravan park owner Sonya Fowles said.

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"We've got some beautiful sea-view villas... there's no one in them."

The government is now offering $10,000 small business grants to those experiencing a 30 per cent decline in turnover.

"You could be a fishing tackle shop, a beachfront kiosk, a tourism operator, if you run fishing charters, or of course if you're involved in the aquaculture industry," Premier Peter Malinauskas said.

Larger grants of $100,000 are available for commercial fisheries and major marine licence holders.

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"For me, this is now 85 days since we've sold an oyster," oyster farmer Steve Bowley. 

"I don't know about any of you bozos but 85 days without any income is a bit tough." 

Grant applications will open at 9am tomorrow, with the government pledging to process them within 15 days. 

"That's obviously warp speed in the context of government grant programs but we are really determined to make the impact on the ground as quickly as we possibly can," Malinauskas said .

The government has indicated that financial support will continue if the algal bloom doesn't clear.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.