Election Priorities Focus on Whyalla’s Future
Monday 29 November 2021
Whyalla City Council has announced its priority initiatives and projects heading into next year’s State Government election, already having met with the State Shadow Cabinet to explore local needs.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin represented Whyalla as part of the Spencer Gulf Cities (SGC) meeting on Monday, advocating on behalf of the city for the best outcomes for our community.
“I raised a number of opportunities requiring constructive partnerships that will not only benefit Whyalla, but also regional and State economies,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“I particularly sought further support to establish Port Bonython as a ‘mega hydrogen hub’ by providing ongoing investment in production of green hydrogen; the greening of Whyalla’s heavy industry; and building the skilled workforce needed for this emerging ‘sunrise’ energy industry.
“I am confident the Shadow Cabinet has a keen interest in supporting a Whyalla Green hydrogen Hub ; which was great to see.”
Mayor McLaughlin said council would also present these priorities to Premier Steven Marshall and Liberal MPs in future meetings, noting the State government is already well aware of council’s strategic initiatives.
Other key election priorities include:
- Housing
- Undertake major private and public housing developments over the next five years, delivering contemporary, affordable housing
- Aligns with SGC priorities of improved housing availability and affordability
- Undertake major private and public housing developments over the next five years, delivering contemporary, affordable housing
- Foreshore Master Plan
- Collaboration and support from both State and Federal governments to co-invest in the major public amenity upgrade to support the liveability and attractiveness of our city
- Aligns with SGC priorities of attracting private sector investment and more people to the region
- Collaboration and support from both State and Federal governments to co-invest in the major public amenity upgrade to support the liveability and attractiveness of our city
- Central Master Plan
- A funding partnership to develop a dedicated Whyalla Central Masterplan to guide future use and investment into the combined state and local government land, including government administration, housing, environmental sustainability and recreational uses
- Water Security
- Commit to working with SA Water, relevant agencies and local industry to determine ongoing potable water needs to be supplied from a new desalination plant in the region
- Clean energy development and research
- Repurposing the former Whyalla High School site as the home of South Australia’s Mega Hydrogen Hub, HILT-CRC and ‘centre for excellence’ in hydrogen production, mining and engineering
- Recommitment to $50m GFG Alliance capital support, plus further support for Green Steel upgrades
- Support large scale solar battery storage developments in region
- Each of these aligns with the SGC priorities of industry skills development and training initiatives
You can view the full election priority document on council’s website, or by requesting a copy from council’s Civic Building.