The development of the Whyalla Foreshore Revitalisation Master Plan is off to a flying start, with over 300 community members attending a series of workshops at the beach café last week.
Whyalla City Council CEO Justin Commons was pleased with the turnout and thanked those many community members, ranging from primary school students through to retirees, who were able to attend the sessions.
“We’ve collaborated extensively during this co-design exercise and identified consistent themes that will enable us to progress to a Draft Foreshore Master Plan.
“Conversations highlighted the many different views and reflected the passion, commitment and willingness of the community to champion their city and improve liveability,” Mr Commons said.
Some of the key aspects emerging from the past week’s workshops that people raised include:
- New infrastructure such as toilet blocks, seating and shelters
- Shared user pathways that enable users to walk the entire length of the foreshore
- Connectivity of Hummock Hill and the marina down to the mangroves and into the main street
- Nature play-spaces using design elements such as cuttlefish
- Water play elements
- Evening ambience in a plaza space
- Diverse offering of food and drink venues
- Art installations that reflect the identity of Whyalla
- Landscape design
“Potential major developments such as the Whyalla High School site, aged care, new housing, a destination caravan park and world-class hotel were also considered at length and many people recognised the critical need for bringing these pivotal land uses to life” Mr Commons said.
Council reminds the community that while the face-to-face workshops are over, residents and businesses can still have their say via a survey which will remain open until 1 June. “Many people have already jumped online however we encourage everyone to have a voice in shaping the planning for the future of our foreshore” Mr Commons said.
Hard copies can be picked up from Council’s Civic Building, Public Library or Visitor Information Centre, while the online version can be completed by clicking here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YT2LJVF
So, what happens next?
- All information gathered – from the survey, co-design workshops and general feedback – will be collated and analysed by Jensen Plus
- A summary engagement report will be presented to the June Council meeting.
- A Draft Foreshore Masterplan will then be prepared by Jensen Plus in July.
- This Draft Foreshore Masterplan will be distributed for broad community consultation and feedback over a six-week period.
- The results of this further community consultation will be reported back to Council with recommended refinements.
- If necessary, further consultation will be undertaken or a final Foreshore Masterplan will be endorsed.
Please visit Council’s website or follow us on Facebook to stay in touch with future project stages and notifications for further community consultation.