The Hon. Nicola Centofanti, Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia, The Hon. Tim Whetstone, Member for Chaffey, Joint Media Release, 5 June 2024
Blue-green algae sludge – which poses health risks to humans and livestock – has begun trickling down the River Murray from New South Wales after Susan Close agreed to accept the concerning bacteria in South Australia without warning communities.
Without informing River locals in South Australia, Water Minister Susan Close capitulated to her interstate Labor colleagues with the NSW Government recognising “not only is the foul smell and colour of the water extremely distressing for the local community, blue-green algae can also pose potential health risks to humans and livestock”.
“We know residents are worried and we have heard their concerns loud and clear which is why NSW is taking strong action to send up to 45-50 GL downstream,” they said.
“The algal blooms have not budged in weeks, even as the weather has cooled down, and we don’t want to wait any longer because communities are suffering.
“The advice from NSW Health to the community is not to drink water direct from the river, or to swim, bathe or eat fish in locations where there is a red alert in place.”
The flush from NSW means the sludge is anticipated to flow down a 500km stretch of the River Murray and be noticeable in SA any day.
Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia, Dr Nicola Centofanti, said Susan Close should be ashamed for keeping this blue-green algae secret.
“It is disgraceful, sneaky and downright disrespectful for Susan Close to agree to this secret blue-green algae deal without consulting with locals who use the water,” Dr Centofanti said.
“The New South Wales Labor Government has been sending out health warnings because of the smell and danger if the bacteria is consumed by humans or livestock.
“In South Australia River Murray communities have no idea this is coming and the last thing we need is people and animals become sick.
“Can Susan Close guarantee that this blue-green algae won’t cause any issues in SA waterways and why has Susan Close kept this sludge secret from South Australians?”
Member for Chaffey, Tim Whetstone, said he shared the shock and anger of locals over Susan Close’s secret deal with NSW.
“Susan Close has put people and livestock at risk and it’s unacceptable that we have only discovered dangerous blue-green algae is come to South Australia because of a press release from an interstate government,” Mr Whetstone said.
“We need answers to many serious questions and Susan Close must explain her shocking capitulation to NSW that could put locals in danger.
“When did Susan Close agree to this secret blue-green algae with NSW Labor? Why didn’t she alert locals along the River Muray about her decision? Why weren’t South Australians warned about the health risks?
“Susan Close’s behaviour is that of a traitor.”
