triathletes running through the water

Algal Bloom Support Program

The ABSP supports South Australian sport and active recreation organisations to continue to deliver inclusive, safe, and engaging activities throughout the summer season, despite the environmental challenges posed by the algal bloom.

View guidelines Apply now

Algal Bloom Support

For all queries relating to the Algal Bloom, please visit the Government of South Australia’s dedicated support website algalbloom.sa.gov.au.

For up-to-date algal bloom reports at popular beaches, download the Beachsafe app.

Hotline: 1800 774 779

Health Advice

South Australian beaches can still be enjoyed but it’s best to stay away from foamy or abnormally coloured water, which may cause irritation.

Read Health Advice

Summer Plan

A $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan has been announced by the state and federal governments, in addition to the $28 million package announced in July. It includes beach safety measures, support for coastal businesses and communities, and significant environmental and scientific initiatives. Key components include daily beach patrols, beach clean-ups, the “Coast is Calling” travel voucher program, and a dining cashback scheme. The plan also allocates funds for environmental restoration projects like oyster reefs and seagrass, scientific research, and mitigation trials.

View Summer Plan

Help & Resources

Tools and resources — including posters, brochures and helpful links — have been prepared to support you.

Open Help & Resources

Sport & Recreation Poster (PDF)

Applications open

Key dates

Applications open: Friday 21 November 2025
Applications close: Midday, Wednesday 17 December 2025
Applicants notified: December 2025
Agreements offered: December 2025 / January 2026

Guidelines and budget

Program Guidelines

Budget: $500,000

Allocation
$130,000 - State Sporting Organisation Support Stream
$370,000 -  Clubs and Associations Support Stream

The ABSP offers funding through two streams:

State Sporting Organisation Support StreamClubs and Associations Support Stream
The State Sporting Organisation Support Stream provides targeted funding to eligible State Sporting Organisations (SSOs) to maintain and enhance the delivery of beach-based programs, events and activities impacted by the recent algal bloom event. This stream aims to reduce financial pressures associated with decreased participation, and enable SSOs to continue offering safe, inclusive and high-quality opportunities for their affiliated clubs and broader communities.The Clubs and Associations Support Stream provides funding to eligible beach-based sport and active recreation clubs/associations, community organisations and recreational fishing clubs to help them continue delivering valuable programs and services throughout the summer season. This stream aims to support the ongoing operation of club activities, enable responses to additional needs arising from the impacts of the algal bloom, and assist with essential costs that ensure safe, welcoming and enjoyable participation opportunities for members, participants and local communities.

Eligible clubs are strongly encouraged to apply directly for funding under the ABSP. However, eligible associations may apply on behalf of their affiliated clubs.

The following organisations are eligible for the State Sporting Organisation Support Stream:

Group 1:

  • Australian Sailing Limited
  • AusTriathlon Ltd
  • South Australian Volleyball Association Incorporated
  • Surfing South Australia Incorporated
  • Surf Life Saving South Australia Incorporated

Group 2:

  • Canoe South Australia Incorporated (Paddle SA)
  • Dragonboat SA Incorporated
  • Rowing South Australia Incorporated

To be eligible for the Clubs and Associations Support Stream, applicants must:

  • be a not-for-profit beach based active recreation or sport club/association or community organisation whose primary purpose is the delivery of active recreation or sport programs and services in South Australia; or
  • be a not-for-profit beach based recreational fishing club whose primary purpose is the delivery of recreation programs and services in South Australia; and
  • be incorporated under the Associations Incorporations Act 1985 (SA), or hold a comparable legal status; and
  • be operating for 12 months or longer; and
  • be impacted by the algal bloom.

SSO Group 1 organisations listed under the program Eligibility Criteria,  will receive up to $20,000. SSO Group 2 organisations will receive $10,000.  

Eligible organisations through the Clubs and Associations Support Stream will receive $3,000.

For a comprehensive list with examples, please refer to the Program Guidelines.

State Sporting Organisation Support Stream 

Eligible Project Costs ✓ Ineligible Project Costs ✘
Program and event delivery Costs incurred before 1 July 2025
Essential equipment Projects that do not provide a benefit to sport or active recreation
Participation initiatives Food, catering costs and catering utensils
Affiliated club support Furniture
Marketing and promotion Prizes
Membership subsidies Wages
Administration expenses Stationery
  Subscriptions
  Motor vehicles


Club and Association Support Stream

Eligible Project Costs ✓ Ineligible Project Costs ✘
Basic operating costs Costs incurred before 1 July 2025
Specialised equipment Projects that do not provide a benefit to sport or active recreation
Sporting equipment Food, catering costs and catering utensils
Medical equipment Furniture
Medical training Prizes
Professional development Wages
Club promotion Stationery
  Subscriptions
  Motor vehicles
  • Where an application is deemed eligible through the Clubs and Associations Support Stream, a funding recommendation of $3,000 will be provided.
  • Where an application is deemed eligible through the State Sporting Organisation Support Stream, a funding recommendation of up to $20,000 will be provided for Group 1 organisations and $10,000 for Group 2 organisations.

ORSR recognises that conflicts of interest may arise with staff, technical experts, and others assessing the applications and forming recommendations. All employees of the Government of South Australia must comply with:

  • The Code of Ethics of the South Australian Public Sector issued under the Public Sector Act 2009 (SA).
  • Public Sector (Honesty and Accountability) Regulations 2010 (SA).

The assessment processes within ORSR are additionally governed by the following:

  • ORSR Interests Management Policy.
  • ORSR Grant Management Policy and Procedures.

Please note, it is anticipated that the number of eligible applications may exceed the funds available and therefore, ORSR does not guarantee applicants will receive the full amount of funding requested.

STEP 1 – Application Screening

ORSR conducts a preliminary assessment of all applications.

  • Ensuring the applicant organisation is eligible to apply,
  • That the application has been completed in full, and all essential information has been provided (incomplete applications may be deemed ineligible).

If an application fails to pass eligibility screening the applicant will be contacted via email, using the details provided in the application. The online application form will be reopened for the applicant to update and resubmit.

If an application is not resubmitted before the first day of the Assessment by the Funding Assessment Committee, the application will be deemed withdrawn.

During the screening process, ORSR may request further information.

STEP 2 – Assessment Against Criteria

As stated above in 'Assessment Criteria'.

STEP 3 – Recommendations

Once the assessment is completed, the Chief Executive, of ORSR will provide funding recommendations to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing for consideration. All organisations will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.

When unforeseen circumstances occur in the delivery of your grant, grantees can seek to amend the terms or conditions, seek additional time or amend the purpose/outcome of the grant.

If you require an amendment, please contact us with your application number and we will forward an Agreement Variation Request through SmartyGrants, which will ask what you would like varied and why you need it varied, for that specific grant.

Your Agreement Variation Request will be considered, and you will be notified of the outcome of your request.

Contact Funding Services

Phone icon 1300 714 990 (option 1)
Email icon ORSR.Grants@sa.gov.au