Three algal bloom grants on offer for coastal councils this summer
The funding is available through three streams thanks to funding support from the state and federal governments.
This includes:
Local Government Grant Fund
This $4 million fund is available to coastal councils for investment in coastal infrastructure projects, environmental remediation activities and community support such as:
Coastal infrastructure:
- recreational infrastructure like fish cleaning stations, showers and shades
- bins and other waste management provisions
- opting into the existing Coastal Camera Network run by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. Councils will receive a camera(s) that will provide live feeds of beachside conditions for the benefit of the public and councils
Environmental remediation:
- remediation activities to clean beaches and restore wetlands (assessed on merit if councils meet the eligible criteria)
Community support programs:
- community information and awareness campaigns/forums
- events, festivals and cultural activities.
Councils can apply for up to $50,000 in grant funding.
Applications close on 31 December 2025.
Coastal Infrastructure Grant Fund
This is a new initiative for councils, community and non-for-profit organisations and other eligible entities.
These are merit-based grants awarded through a competitive process, with up to $50,000 in funding available to councils with a 50% co-contribution to the funding.
The terms of reference are yet to be finalised, however they may include several of the same initiatives and resources as the Local Government Grant Fund initiatives.
One of the key benefits is if councils are unsuccessful in a previous grant application, they may be awarded a grant in this category.
Applications close on 9 January 2026.
Algal Bloom Event Support Fund
Eligible councils can receive grants of up to $20,000 to support the delivery of coastal events that help stimulate visitation, drive economic recovery and foster community connection.
Grants are open until 1 March 2026 or until the funding is exhausted.
Fee free boat ramps and discounted registration
From 1 December 2025, the state government is providing all boat users 12 months of free boat ramp access across South Australia.
In addition, recreational boat owners can access new support measures of a 50% discount for recreational boat and light boat trailer registration fees.
Unregistered boats will need to be renewed from 1 December 2025 onwards to receive the reduced fee. However, if your boat or boat trailer is currently unregistered you will need to register it before use as normal.
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport will directly offset the revenue losses to councils and provide signage.
To find out more about the grants on offer or to apply, visit algalbloom.sa.gov.au