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WORLD STAGE: Council CEO Chris Cowley talks to a reporter and photographer from The Straits Times.
The world is still fascinated by Whyalla with a major international media group dropping in recently for a feature-story package.
A reporter and photographer from The Straits Times of Singapore travelled to Whyalla in October for a tour of the steelworks and a print-video interview with City of Whyalla CEO Chris Cowley and deputy mayor Clare McLaughlin. It will be part of a comprehensive story being compiled on South Australia and its renewables push with Whyalla seen as the ideal example of a city putting in place forward-thinking renewable energy initiatives.
The Straits Times is a broadsheet newspaper, not unlike The Australian, with a Sunday edition circulation of 366,000 and a string of regional publications. It is part of the giant Singapore Press Holdings company that employs more than 5000 people and represents a major media voice, both in print and online, throughout Asia.
The Straits Times interest in Whyalla stems from the city and its industry’s front-foot approach to renewable energy with SIMEC’s announcement of an 1100ha solar farm next to the steelworks, the SSE solar farm in the industrial estate and Adani’s plans for a renewable energy facility in the region.
“Ultimately, Whyalla is a good human interest story when you look at the renewables industry in South Australia,” a spokesperson from The Straits Times said.
“We are working on a feature story package about global climate and renewable energy.
“South Australia is seen as a leader in renewable energy and Whyalla is a positive side of this story.”
Mr Cowley said the interest shown in Whyalla was refreshing and a good chance to tell the world about the city’s pro-active approach to renewable energy, industry development and our city transformation.
“When a media organisation like The Strait Times shows interest in Whyalla you know we are doing something right,” Mr Cowley said.
“To be seen in Asia as a leader in renewable energy is a massive tick for Whyalla and invaluable exposure for us as we continue to build the economy and investment in our city which ultimately leads to jobs for our residents.”