Progress continues on Foreshore Master Plan
16 March 2023
Progress continues on Whyalla City Council’s Foreshore Master Plan, with the project currently awaiting proposals to design the new Whyalla Surf Life Saving Club (WSLSC).
Council has worked closely with Surf Life Saving SA to finalise requirements for the new facility, which will include a café space and community facilities.
The WSLSC has been granted $2.3million in State Government funding, still needing to raise an additional $500,000 for its portion of the funding. Council is also seeking additional government funding to minimise any financial impact on ratepayers.
Mayor Phill Stone said the new foreshore building would also guide the next steps for developing an adjacent community plaza space, with a splash play element that the community is keen to see under way.
“Given the significant funds available through the WSLSC, combined with the current building nearing the end of its serviceable life, it makes sense to prioritise the rebuild as a major component of the Foreshore Master Plan,” Mayor Stone said.
“In the meantime, this enables Council to work on the task of attracting specific government funding to progress the various stages of the community endorsed Foreshore Master Plan, including the splash play element and nature play spaces.
"The WSLSC also needs significant community support to raise the remaining funds it needs for the upgrade, so I encourage the community to get behind their fundraising efforts throughout this year.
“Current and future development has always been seen as a long-term project over several years, dependent on external funding.”
With the works now a step closer, Mr Stone emphasised the importance of establishing the foreshore café pod to maintain a community service through the planning, demolition and construction phases.
“This is why Council chose to invest in the pod, rather than spend the allocated funds on the existing building, which would have ultimately seen ratepayers’ dollars become rubble,” Mayor Stone said.
“The café pod also has the potential of being relocated and reused at some stage in the future, which further cements its suitability.”
Council will continue to provide progress updates over the coming months, including more details on how the community can assist the WSLSC in securing the remaining funding it requires.