Frequently Asked Questions - Algal Bloom Resilience Grant

Applications open Tuesday, 21 October 2025 and closed 31 March 2026.

Applications are assessed and approved subject to a merit-based process, on a rolling basis, in the order as they are received (i.e funding will be awarded on a first come first served basis).

To be eligible, you must be a South Australian fisheries and/or aquaculture licence holder. The full list of eligibility criteria is listed in the grant guidelines.

The Algal Bloom Resilience Grant must be used on an eligible project that builds business resilience, take advantage of new opportunities or help protect jobs. Funding may be used towards project-related costs, including:

• the purchase of new equipment, including freight and installation costs
• the replacement or upgrades to existing equipment which substantially improve resilience, expand business capabilities/operations or support algal bloom clean-up and repairs
• mentoring, research and development
• research providers and other service providers for capability development
• training and re-skilling existing staff
• payments to consultants (e.g. designers, engineers and technical specialists)
• algal bloom clean-up or repair of harvest area infrastructure.

This funding is not intended to support businesses seeking to exit current industries completely or cease operations in South Australia.

Payments will only be made to successful applicants on achievement of agreed milestones, to the satisfaction of the Department of State Development, as the project is progressed. Applicants will be required to submit a financial acquittal following completion of their project to confirm that the grant has been properly applied in accordance with the guidelines.

Projects may commence any time after a funding agreement has been executed or such other time as agreed with the Treasurer, and must commence within the timeframes published for the program.

We understand that businesses may be keen to commence projects as soon as possible. However, funding is dependent on the outcome of the assessment and approval process.

Funding is only confirmed once:

• a formal offer has been issued; and

• a grant agreement has been signed by both parties.

Before the project work commences, successful grant applicants must execute a grant agreement stipulating the obligations of the applicant and the conditions under which any assistance is given, including any relevant payment milestones, clawback and reporting requirements.

Payments will generally be paid in instalments and made on a reimbursement basis, meaning you may need to provide evidence that project expenses have been incurred before payment is made.

Eligibility for future programs will be determined by each individual program, and applicants should consult the Program Guidelines for the programs they are interested in.

If you anticipate potential project delays, please raise this with the funding agreement government contract manager or the Department as soon as these issues arise.

Yes. The Department must ensure the funding is spent according to the Program Guidelines, and requires updates from the successful applicant to do this.

Projects must have commenced and be substantially progressed within six months and completed within twelve 12 months of the grant agreement being executed, unless otherwise agreed.

Eligible Project expenditure includes direct project-related costs, including any third-party service providers engaged to implement a solution. This includes payments to consultants (e.g. designers, engineers and technical specialists), training organisations, research providers and other service providers for capability development, mentoring and research and development work undertaken on the project.

Should you have further questions regarding this program, please contact the Office for Small and Family Business by calling the Business Grants Infoline on (08) 8429 0700.

If you need help with your application, support and advice is available through the Seafood Industry South Australia and Rural Business Support. We encourage you to reach out to discuss your circumstances with these organisations.

Feedback is available by request once the evaluation process is complete, and you have been notified of the outcome.

Grant funding may have taxation implications depending on your individual business circumstances. Applicants should seek advice from their accountant or financial adviser about how receiving grant funding may impact their taxable income or financial position.

The program team cannot provide taxation advice.