Algal Bloom Media Release
Tuesday, 5thAugust 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE
Algal BloomSupport Fails Local Businesses
Victor Harbor Chamber slamsdelayed response and flawed grant program, says business confidence, certaintyand trade has been lost!
Business Victor Harbor (BVH) has rebuked the StateGovernment’s response to the harmful algal bloom crisis as “delayed and deeplyinadequate,” warning that the economic damage to local trade and tourism hasalready been done — and won’t be reversed by late-stage advertising or narrowgrant schemes.
In the past three months, businesses across marine tourism,hospitality, accommodation, and seafood retail have reported downturns of up to40%, according to member feedback and informal surveys. “This isn’t support —it’s spin,” said BVH Executive Officer Colin Shearing. “You can’t parachute ina policy months later and expect businesses to suddenly recover lost revenue.Confidence & certainty is harder to restore than cashflow.” While therecently announced $10,000 Small Business Support Grant is a welcome gesture,BVH says the narrow eligibility criteria makes the scheme largely unworkablefor the types of businesses hardest hit in the Fleurieu region.
Key concerns include:
• The requirement for applicantsto be registered with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) — whichexcludes operators in seafood, hospitality, and other sectors not typicallylisted or promoted through the platform.
• A flawed turnover comparison period — including Easter in2025 but not in 2024 — which artificially inflates current figures anddisqualifies many seasonal operators despite clear downturns. BVH, the SouthAustralian Business Chamber and Tourism Industry Council of SA have stepped upquickly to support affected operators, despite other agencies such as the SATourism Commission and FPT which have remained largely silent.
“Victor Harborwas left to fend for itself” said BVH Chair Gavin Daniell. “But that’s exactlywhat we’ve done — and we’ll continue to do so. Our message remains clear:Victor Harbor is open for business.”
Business Victor Harbor is calling for:
• Immediate review of grant eligibility settings, includingthe ATDW requirement
• Revised trading period comparisons that reflect seasonalrealities
• Properly funded recovery and confidence campaigns forimpacted regions
• Transparent communication about environmental causes andlong-term solutions
• Recognition and backing of local initiatives like SmallBusiness Week Victor Harbor, which BVH will deliver this September to supportresilience, visibility and connection across the business community
“This is amoment that called for leadership, clarity, and practical action” saidShearing. Instead, we got silence, red tape, and delayed promises. The Fleurieu deserves better — and we’re not afraid to sayso.”
Victor Harbor is open for business! Recovery takes more than slogans.
Media contact: Colin Shearing Executive Officer – BusinessVictor Harbor eo@businessvictorharbor.com.au 0413 282 641