National News
Algal Bloom in South Australia Officially Declared a “Natural Disaster”
The South Australian government has officially declared the ongoing algal bloom event a natural disaster, triggering federal aid mechanisms. Premier Peter Malinauskas said the disaster severely impacts the Murray River’s lower ecosystem, as well as local community drinking water and agricultural irrigation, urging the federal government to provide immediate financial and technical support.
This large-scale algal bloom has worsened since late June, especially concentrated around the South Australian river mouth area, causing water discoloration, toxic algae growth, and fish deaths, raising both ecological and public health concerns. Malinauskas pointed out the current situation is as destructive as past river droughts or floods and deserves an equivalent level of response.
The South Australian government has activated cleanup resources and disaster response plans for affected communities, prioritizing protection of drinking water sources. Agricultural and environmental groups are calling for long-term reviews of watershed management and fertilizer use policies.