Benefiting the economy and the community
Whyalla City Council is looking to fast-track several key projects to assist local businesses impacted by the ongoing economic downturn, while delivering much-needed upgrades for the community.
This will focus on investing more than $1 million across two of the city’s key public areas in Civic Park and the foreshore, including street furniture, art and culture installations, landscaping and playground upgrades.
Mayor Phill Stone said council had identified upgrading these two areas in a targeted way to create an economic, visible and emotional “uplift” for people across the city.
“It’s been a tough year for our community – both for residents and businesses directly and indirectly linked to the steelworks,” Mayor Stone said.
“It’s hoped these projects can create some additional work for the businesses impacted, while giving our residents an uplift – particularly families – by having access to new equipment, which always helps put a smile on kids’ faces.”
Mayor Stone said while this could not completely offset the work lost from the steelworks, it aimed to help businesses realise there are other ongoing opportunities, and that they’re capable of diversifying from their usual work.
“This will be critical in the long-term, with a host of non-manufacturing industries expected to come online over the next decade through hydrogen, desalination, renewables, defence and associated businesses,” he said.
“If local engineering, fabrication and trade-based businesses can pivot to service these new industries, it will reduce their reliance on manufacturing and prevent them being severely impacted any time the steelworks has issues.”
“This opportunity for shared achievement will also rely on business and industry meeting council equally and in partnershipto determine how efficiencies and impacts can be maximised within the budget provided by Whyalla ratepayers.”
Although this work will benefit local business, it will not impact ratepayers, with already-budgeted work simply being brought forward or postponed to maximise the current impact.
The targeted work includes:
Civic Park
- Playground upgrade
- Vegetation clearance
- Carpark extension
- Bin shrouds
Foreshore
- Playground upgrade (including new equipment, fencing, shade structure and sails)
- Beach shelter renewal
- Bin shrouds
Briefing Session
A breakfast briefing session will be held 7.30am Thursday 12 December at The Nest Pod (adjacent the Whyalla Library) enabling local businesses to find out more about the opportunities available.
RSVP is essential – contact Joanne Blayney on 8640 3444 or joanne.blayney@whyalla.sa.gov.au to reserve your place.