Putting Whyalla on the National Stage
“This is a win for the people of Whyalla.” These were the words of Mayor Clare McLaughlin after Whyalla’s iconic jetty was crowned the best in the nation.
The unique, world-class attraction took out the Social and Community Infrastructure category at last night’s Urban Development Institute of Australia’s National Awards for Excellence, chosen ahead of projects from across Australia.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the local community,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“They not only chose the design of the jetty; but also helped create it by manufacturing the structural steel; and contributed their expertise to the construction; so this is a reflection of Whyalla’s excellence and is something of which we should all feel a sense of pride.
“Thanks must also go to my fellow elected members, who were brave enough to back such an iconic vision, as well as the council staff who contributed countless hours to overseeing and implementing the project.”
The awards celebrate the very best that Australia’s urban development industry has to offer. According to UDIA National President Maxwell Shifman, the jetty project demonstrated the ability to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace.
“All our finalists demonstrated the attributes of what is special about new development, and I am delighted to announce…their extraordinary efforts and exceptional achievements,” Mr Shifman said.
The jetty progressed to the national awards after winning the same category at UDIA’s state awards. State judges commented that the community facility “not only brought more visitors to Whyalla, but has helped transform the way council is thinking about how to regenerate the city, while also becoming a catalyst for more economic development in the locality.”
This award adds to the collection already won by the jetty, including:
- Contributing to Regional Growth Award at the National Awards for Local Government (Dec 2021)
- Social and Community Infrastructure category at the Urban Development Institute of Australia, South Australia Awards for Excellence (Oct 2021)
- IPWEA SA’s Best Public Works Project Over $5m (Sep 2021)
- LG Professional Award for Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery (May 2021)
Find out more about our award-winning jetty here: