- Latest News
Whyalla continues to sit in an upward economic spotlight following the first two days of the SEGRA conference held in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
It is the first time the SEGRA (Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia) three-day conference has been held in South Australia. The first day of the conference on Tuesday was split between the Whyalla Uni SA campus and Port Pirie before moving on to Port Augusta for the following two days.
The theme of the conference is “Disruption – a catalyst for change” and it was first time it has been held in South Australia with Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie being showcased to delegates from throughout the country.
With a string of high profile projects highlighted throughout the three regions, Whyalla had strong representation with sale of the steelworks, Muradel’s advanced biocrude-oil production expansion and the extension of the Cultana Defence Training Area.
Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer said the conference was a great chance to highlight the co-operation between the three cities and their regional approach to business that would benefit all three communities.
“It is good for Whyalla to be seen as part of the region with Port Augusta and Port Pirie and it shows how we have the confidence of this magnitude (the hosting of the conference) from people all over Australia,” Mayor Breuer said.
“A lot of it is about economic development and we are certainly on the cusp of moving ahead.
“Last year it was held in Western Australia so it was a great coup to secure it in the Upper Spencer Gulf.”
Mayor Breuer hosted a session with this theme on Wednesday in Port Augusta where she talked about the benefits of the regions working together.
“The feedback we got was tremendous and those at the conference were amazed at the amount of projects we have got going here in the Upper Spencer Gulf,” Mayor Breuer said.
“Many of those attending the conference were keen for us to promote these projects throughout Australia and the work we are doing collectively as a region.
“We are becoming more and more known as a region and it really gives us the extra momentum to attract more interest from other areas, State governments and the Federal Government.
“There is certainly a push across Australia for regional cooperation and people can see we are getting it done which is great for business and great for our communities.”
TOP: Council CEO Chris Cowley, RDA Chair Ann Ferguson, Local Government Association president Lorraine Rosenberg, Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer and Uni SA Regional Manager Whyalla Campus Paul Havelberg on the first day of the conference in Whyalla.
RIGHT: Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer during her presentation in Port Augusta on the second day of the conference.