Master Plan seeks to deliver on promise of Whyalla’s clean energy future
7 November 2023
The City of Whyalla will be master-planned under a State and Local Government partnership – focusing on evolving its ‘Steel City’ status to a clean energy future through the delivery of the Malinauskas Labor Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan.
The Whyalla Master Plan will provide an ambitious vision for the city as it seeks to become Australia’s hydrogen capital.
The Government will invest $100,000 to develop the plan in partnership with the City of Whyalla to ensure the unprecedented opportunities for the city and broader Upper Spencer Gulf can be realised.
The future of Whyalla is bright, with the project seeking to future-proof the City of Whyalla – unlocking the region and providing the road map for growth. It comes as the State Government seeks to usher in the next era of a city that has seen shipbuilding and the iron and steel industry define its existence since its establishment over the last century.
The Master Plan aims to build upon the excellent foundational planning of Whyalla, which was designed to accommodate 60,000 South Australians and had 33,000 at its population peak in 1978. According to the most recent census data (2021), the city has a population of 21,244, but will be subject to rapid growth.
The master planning process will guide the revitalisation of Whyalla’s city centre, along with the strategic use of land for key civic, industrial, and social infrastructure needs. Proper planning will ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and thriving industrial and economic hub.
This process will complement the Government’s immediate measures to tackle the regional housing crisis, including establishing the Office for Regional Housing to boost permanent housing solutions.
The Master Plan is also set to assist in the rollout of proposed new sport and recreation development in Whyalla, identified as a potential city to benefit from the Government’s $18 million commitment to dedicated female sporting facilities.
Renewal SA is working collaboratively with the Office for Hydrogen Power SA, the Department of Trade and Investment’s Planning and Land Use Services, the Department of Environment and Water Crown Lands Unit, City of Whyalla and other key stakeholders to ensure sites secured for development are strategically located and appropriately serviced.
The City of Whyalla Master Plan – which will incorporate the Council’s previous strategic planning work – will start in the coming weeks, with the draft Master Plan expected to be finalised by the end of 2023. Extensive community consultation will follow through the State Planning Commission’s Regional Planning Program in 2024.
Minister for Planning Nick Champion, Member for Giles Eddie Hughes and Mayor Phill Stone discuss aspects of the coming masterplan development
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Nick Champion
Whyalla is primed to solidify South Australia’s position as a global hydrogen powerhouse, providing jobs and unprecedented investment for the State.
Developing a long-term vision to support the region’s growth is critical as the city seeks to become a leading example of the modern industrial city.
This Master Plan will help ensure the appropriate infrastructure and services are in place for future residents, while supporting the needs of the local community.
Councils have an important role in leading strategic planning for their local areas, and I commend the proactive approach the City of Whyalla has taken to determine how anticipated growth in their region should occur.
Quotes attributable to Member for Giles Eddie Hughes
Whyalla needs to build on the foundations laid many years ago to prepare for an influx of construction work crews and a potential increase in ongoing employment.
Whyalla’s selection as the site for a world first hydrogen plant reflects the strength of the industrial base of our city and the workforce and infrastructure that is part of the fabric of Whyalla.
The hydrogen power plant will be a catalyst for other potential developments and we need to ensure that plans are in place to accommodate future growth.
Quotes attributable to City of Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone
The major hydrogen projects slated for Whyalla represent once-in-a-generation changes, so it’s critical everything associated with these projects – from housing to open spaces – are planned in advance.
This is therefore a very positive investment by the State Government, and one that will be welcomed by the entire community, as well as those looking to relocate.
There is no doubt in my mind that Whyalla and the community are on the cusp of an incredibly exciting future, so we look forward to continuing to develop our partnerships with both the State and Federal governments as these projects progress.