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Monday, July 18, 2016
Whyalla experiences economic boost thanks to army activity
The presence of 8000 army personnel in the region over a period of six weeks has resulted many positive effects on the local community.
Local businesses have experienced a much needed economic boost as a result of the Australian Army’s Exercise Hamel training exercise, while community members have enjoyed the presence of defence personnel around the city.
About 1000 defence personnel have been based in Whyalla at any one time for the past four weeks, using the city’s facilities as part of their simulation training exercise while also providing a significant economic injection into the city.
A further 7000 defence personnel have been based in the surrounding areas, including in Iron Knob, Port Augusta, and Port Pirie.
Whyalla City Council worked closely with Department of Defence throughout the duration of Exercise Hamel, assisting with access to local facilities and infrastructure.
Department of Defence also provided many opportunities for social interaction between defence personnel and the local community, holding two community open days and working closely with the Whyalla Basketball Association to host a round robin competition between local basketball teams and defence staff.
Acting mayor Tom Antonio said the council had developed a strong relationship with Department of Defence throughout the duration of Exercise Hamel, resulting in positive results for the entire community.
“A number of businesses have benefitted from the army’s activity and have reported significant increases in their sales and business operations,” Mr Antonio said.
“At a time when business confidence is suffering, it is wonderful to see an economic injection coming as a result of the Australian Army’s training exercise.
“It also seems that the army’s activity has provided a welcome distraction to the community, with residents enjoying seeing army personnel, equipment and their vehicles around the city.”
Mr Antonio said the council would continue to work closely with Department of Defence throughout the remainder of Exercise Hamel, and into the future with the hope that Whyalla would be considered a location for future army training exercises.
“The army has told us that the facilities available in Whyalla, such as our airport, our natural environment, and our climate are ideal for conducting army training exercises,” Mr Antonio said.
“The council will be continuing discussions with the Department of Defence to ensure Whyalla is considered for future training exercises.”