Whyalla City Council has now adopted the Foreshore Master Plan and the initial focus will be on the foreshore park area as seen above
Foreshore Master Plan Adopted
Whyalla can expect to see some exciting developments on the foreshore from next year, with Whyalla City Council formally adopting the foreshore master plan this week.
Council had a fantastic response to several rounds of consultation throughout the year, resulting in close to 2000 responses, which ultimately helped shape the direction of the plan.
“It was great to see so many local individuals, businesses, community groups and organisations contribute to the plan, so I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to have their say,” Mayor Clare McLaughlin said.
“This is the community’s foreshore, so this feedback – which resulted in numerous changes to the final plan – will ensure the upgrade represents the community’s priorities and aspirations.”
Although a visionary document aimed at improvements over the next decade, the plan also outlines quick-win projects to kick-start the upgrade in the next two years.
The initial focus in this period is the foreshore park area, which incorporates:
- A unique cuttlefish-themed splash park
- Teen zone
- Nature play-space
- Improved landscaping, streetscapes, wayfinding, boardwalk, connectivity and access
“Consultation showed numerous aspects in this part of the plan were deemed of most importance to residents, so we are prioritising these projects in the first few years, with work commencing in 2022,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“A number of residents expressed their concern regarding the location of the proposed discovery and information centre, so this has now been removed from the initial stages of the plan and we’ll consult with the community after further consideration.”
Mayor McLaughlin said funding applications were currently being prepared to seek both State and Federal Government support – on top of negotiations to secure private sector funding – ensuring minimal impact on ratepayers.
She said this was all part of improving the liveability for locals, as well as helping entice more families to relocate to Whyalla while attracting increased tourist numbers.
“We’ve had unprecedented visitor numbers since the opening of our unique jetty, so this plan will further capitalise on that and create even more reasons for people to visit, stay and spend money in Whyalla,” she said.