Housing & Liveability Improvements Needed to Cater for Growth
City of Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin is calling on political parties to support the urgent need to improve the liveability and amenity of Whyalla – including a critical need to construct new housing – to help attract new skilled workers and families to the city to underpin the pipeline of upcoming major projects.
“Not since the 1960s have we seen such strong economic growth, new jobs and new industry forecast in our city,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“However, it’s not job opportunities alone that entice people to relocate, particularly those with families. This is why our election priorities focus on support for our foreshore master plan and additional facilities in the centre of our city, which will significantly enhance Whyalla’s liveability.”
Mayor McLaughlin said one of the most critical aspects will be the provision of new housing for the expected influx of workers with diverse housing expectations.
“Over the coming years, we want to see new and existing permanent workers living in Whyalla, enjoying a high standard of living, rather than relying on a fly-in/fly-out or drive-in/drive-out workforce,” she said.
“If we can get suitable and effective partnerships with government and private sector investment into housing, we can lay the foundations that will see Whyalla emerge as a globally recognised, regional city capable of producing high-quality green steel; green hydrogen; rare earths for exports; agricultural products; and green energy from solar and wind farms.”
Whyalla City Council has been in talks with various government agencies to explore private and public partnerships to build new affordable homes in the city, as well as funding for developments such as the foreshore master plan.
Mayor McLaughlin said Whyalla needs mixed developments with new public housing, affordable housing, family-focused facilities, reduced stamp duty on new builds, and fast tracking of development plans.
“We need commitments from our state and federal politicians that they will expedite the investment and process improvements that Whyalla needs to support its development as a contemporary regional city, offering the liveability and amenity needed to attract and support people to live and work in our city,” she said.
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Find out more about City of Whyalla’s South Australian election priorities