Deputy Mayor Tamy Pond, Member for Giles Eddie Hughes, Premier Peter Malinauskas, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Mayor Phill Stone, and City of Whyalla CEO Justin Commons at today's announcement in Whyalla confirming Federal and State Government funding for the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub.
National hydrogen focus centres on Whyalla
25 September 2023
“There is nowhere you’d rather be than Whyalla.”
These were the words of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to Whyalla with Premier Peter Malinauskas, finalising their grant agreement regarding the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub.
The governments are investing a combined $100 million to develop infrastructure at Port Bonython, ensuring it becomes South Australia's first large-scale export terminal for hydrogen.
Along with private sector funding, the redeveloped Port Bonython is expected to host projects worth up to $13 billion and generate as much as 1.8 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030.
“We have the skills, we have the resources and here in Whyalla we have such an incredible, comparative advantage with anywhere in the world,” Mr Albanese said.
“I remember a debate in my time in parliament where there was talk of Whyalla being wiped off the map. Well far from that – this town will grow into the future and will contribute not just to jobs and high living standards…but will also make an enormous difference to the nation.”
The Prime Minister and Premier met with Mayor Phill Stone, Deputy Mayor Tamy Pond, Whyalla City Council CEO Justin Commons and other local dignitaries to further discuss their plans for Whyalla-based projects.
Mayor Stone thanked both levels of government for their ongoing commitment to our city.
“It’s always special to host the Prime Minister in your city, but it’s even more important when he’s confirming a major investment in our future,” Mayor Stone said.
“This is yet another example of Federal, State and Local Governments working together to unlock economic advantages for Whyalla.
“It also enabled us to reinforce the need for all parties to partner in providing the housing and facilities required to attract and support the skilled workforce needed to operate these major projects.”
The finalisation of Federal grant funding builds on the State’s commitment to its $595 million Hydrogen Jobs Plan, and Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ recent announcement of the $2b Hydrogen Headstart Program, specifically referencing the potential benefits for Whyalla.
During the visit, Premier Malinauskas also stated that the operator of the hydrogen plant would be announced within the coming months, which is the key milestone before on-site progress can begin.
Click here to view the joint release by the Federal and State Governments.