Council Member Profile

Quarterly Column

November 2025

Whyalla going forward

Another year is nearly gone, and a new year beckons, and this new year brings with it a sense that the long-term future of Whyalla, is still positive and bright with a lot to look forward to. With new owners of the steelworks comes a massive sense of excitement

and the possibilities of a secure long-term future, also with a tourism industry that keeps evolving and growing, which is supported by our award-winning Vistor Information Centre team.

New projects including Alligator Energy and especially the Northern Water Supply project will shape the future of our state for years to come, the economic value it will add is untold. The last 11 months has been tough and emotionally challenging for people from all walks of life, from workers to business owners, and everybody who has a vested interest in Whyalla.

There was a lot of uncertainty around the steelworks until the State and Federal Government stepped in to protect the future of steelmaking in Australia, so Whyalla residents can now look forward with a sense of optimism around what is to come.

The Foreshore Masterplan is now finally going to see some action, which will be a great attraction and family space for all to enjoy, along with the excellent new Civic Park Playground are the projects that bring a lot of joy and satisfaction to the community.

So, with the festive season upon us, take the time to reflect on the year, relax and enjoy the company of your families.

Merry Christmas to you all, stay safe and see you next year.

Previous columns:

August 2025

Whyalla is the gateway to the Eyre Peninsula and all that fantastic region has to offer. Whyalla is the largest city in the region, where tourism plays a vital role in economic and social development. Tourism in Whyalla has many significant implications for the city and its community in multiple ways.

The Whyalla City Council, Whyalla Business and Tourism, the RDA and all tourism operators need to work together to really understand what an untapped economic opportunity tourism can be for this city.

To help with this, I believe Whyalla would benefit from a company specialising in event management like what Events Whyalla used to offer a few years ago.

Key tourist attractions

Whyalla is famous for its marine tourism, particularly the annual Australian Giant Cuttlefish aggregation, attracting diving and snorkelling enthusiasts from around the world. There’s also dolphin and whale watching; boat tours; fishing and other maritime activities. History is a big part of our appeal, with the Whyalla Maritime Museum, HMAS Whyalla, steelworks tours and Mount Laura Homestead. There’s also plenty of natural attractions, including Hummock Hill, the Point Lowly peninsula, Wild Dog Hill, local beaches and walking trails.

Benefits

Tourism generates significant revenue for local businesses, particularly hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators. It provides vital employment, while also encouraging businesses to innovate to be a point of difference from their competitors. To cater for this interest, it drives improvement in local facilities, recreational spaces, transportation and other tourism-related infrastructure, all while encouraging environmental awareness and protection.

Challenges and considerations

Tourism in Whyalla faces challenges like seasonality, with most visitors arriving during peak periods, especially the cuttlefish season. To ensure year-round appeal, there is a need to develop new attractions and events such as festivals and sporting competitions. Upgrading infrastructure, expanding accommodation options, and maintaining facilities remain ongoing priorities. Whyalla also faces competition from other destinations, making effective marketing and collaboration with regional partners crucial for growth.

Future prospects

There are promising opportunities in eco and adventure tourism, as well as expanding marine-based activities. With ongoing investment, these could strengthen Whyalla’s reputation as a regional destination, which is critical for our economic diversification, community development, and sustainable future.

As the city continues to develop its tourism sector, recognising its importance for sustainable economic growth and community development is critical. Success in tourism helps Whyalla's transition from a purely industrial city to a diverse, vibrant regional centre with multiple economic drivers.

Council’s role

This is why council will continue to prioritise and advocate for opportunities that can improve our offering for tourists. Recent examples include the major funding secured for the foreshore splash play and plaza building; infrastructure improvements at the cuttlefish dive site; and extensive promotion of the global phenomenon that is our cuttlefish.

March 2025

Sport in the mental health of a community

It’s great to see that the Whyalla Steelworks’ problems, whilst not completely overcome, have seen really good progress, with the operations being stabilised by the State Government and the state-appointed administrators.

Contractors being paid and businesses having money and some degree of certainty flowing in is really good for the psyche of our community in general, taking away a degree of pressure on family budgets.

While this is great for Whyalla people and families, participating in sport – and that is all sports – has and always will be really important to the social fabric of Whyalla.

I believe encouraging kids to play team sports is really important in their development as people, to understand teamwork and be able to rely on other people to help and support you.

People and communities supporting their clubs are tribal and people love being involved with their clubs regardless of the sport. They enjoy the company of like-minded people and having their families involved.

Volunteering, while not what it used to be, gives people a strong sense of belonging to a family-like group to wrap their arms around them and their families when times are tough. I’ve seen this happen at footy clubs many times over the years.

Being able to wear your club colours and identify with that group is really important to people and their families and the social fabric of our community.