Whyalla foreshore waterpark and community plaza
The stunning new Whyalla foreshore water park and community plaza is a step closer, as the project has moved to the next stage in a Federal Government funding process. And now we need you to share your foreshore stories to shape the final funding application and help get it over the line!
A marquee was set up at the Visitor Information Centre pod and the Seaview Café at the foreshore over the last two weeks, allowing people to drop in and have a chat with a staff member or record a video message. The community interest in sharing their stories to help shape the design features of the Whyalla Beach Plaza and Playground Precinct has been fantastic with the memories and pictures shared of past activation of Whyalla’s foreshore reminding us all how connected to this public space the community has and will continue to be.
These stories will then be consolidated, with a number of them included on furniture, architecture, boardwalks and other aspects of the foreshore development, ensuring it captures Whyalla’s history and essence.
If you missed out on visiting our staff, you can head to our website to submit your memories; call us on 8640 3444 or email gail.rostig@whyalla.sa.gov.au.
To find out all of the details of the Foreshore water park and community plaza click here: https://bit.ly/3ToGRKp
This includes an extensive FAQ which will address many questions you may have, so be sure to check it out.
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Repairs at the Whyalla Recreation Centre
Repairs at the Whyalla Recreation Centre, with contractor Hydrilla commenced on Monday 8 January.
As mentioned in our update in October and December, maintenance and upgrades need to be completed in stages, with the first stage seeing the reopening of the spa; upgrades to the plant room (improving efficiency, water flow and treatment capability across all three pools); a new ‘beach access’ surface (non-slip but less abrasive than the current surface); installation of new water feature toys (replacing existing mushrooms); and general maintenance and repairs (retiling, regrouting etc).
Mayor Phill Stone admitted that having the work occurring over summer was not ideal, but Council and the YMCA are providing a host of alternative activities for the community during this period as well as a school holiday program.
‘’While there is never a good time to close the pool area – it is utilised year-round – these works must be done at this time to lock in the contractor to come to Whyalla to do the work. We will work with Hydrilla and the YMCA to minimise any periods where the pool area needs to close.’’
“To help offset this, a number of weekend activities will be offered to ensure there’s still plenty of family-focused entertainment for the community during the closure.”
Council and the YMCA will be providing a host of alternative activities for the community during this period, as well as a school holiday program.
If you'd like to enjoy family-focused entertainment during the closure of the Recreation Centre, be sure to click here to view all the events!
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Summer Tree Branch drop
Summer tree branch drop is a phenomenon that occurs in many mature tree species. Branches generally drop in early morning or afternoons during prolonged conditions of extended humidity or rainfall events. Experienced arborists find it hard to predict. The cause is still not fully understood but is believed to be related to a number of factors relating to weather changes, prolonged drought, heat and intense rainfall.
A very large limb on a hot enough day can draw a surprising amount of water. All of this water weighs a lot, increasing stresses on the limb and potentially breaking it outright. During Summer, the increased heat and humidity combined with increased leaves or loads of fruit (seed pods – common in Norfolk Pines) can weaken branches. Whilst a rainy day after a drought may be exactly what a tree needs, it may spell the end for one of its limbs which has been weakened by cellular damage.
Please consider Summer tree branch drop in mature trees, whilst Council makes every effort to inspect its mature species in parks and gardens, it is not always possible to predict and take preventative measures.
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Cuttlefish Drive sign replacement
The sign refreshment project was recently completed at the Cuttlefish Drive and Black Point dive sites.
We extend our gratitude to Santos for their invaluable support in funding this project and to King Signs for an amazing job in the manufacture and installations.
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Capital Value rating system
Find out more about the Capital Value rating system.
Key points:
- Whyalla City Council is required by legislation to change the basis of its property rating from Site Value to Capital Value. This will be introduced from 1 July 2024
- The implementation has been delayed for as long as possible, with Whyalla one of the last three councils in the state still using Site Value
- Council does not raise any additional rate revenue out of the change – some property owners will pay lower rates, some will pay higher rates
- Capital Value is based on all aspects of the property – land, house, sheds etc, not just the location / land value – and is provided to Council by the Office of the Valuer-General
- There are multiple ways to have your say / find out more, including an online rates calculator, showing ratepayers the level of change they can expect
- Hardship options are available for anyone struggling to make their payments
As referenced in rates notices over recent years, Whyalla City Council is required to change the basis of its property rating from Site Value to Capital Value, with this change to be introduced from 1 July 2024.
Council wants to ensure the community is well informed on the change and can voice their questions and concerns on aspects of the process, noting that the switch is compulsory.
Mayor Phill Stone said it was important for the community to realise that this was not a Council decision, but was required under state legislation.
“We have delayed the implementation of this change for as long as possible – we are one of the last three councils in the state still using Site Value,” Mayor Stone said.
Click the link to read the full media release: https://bit.ly/4aSRBHu
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2024 Australia Day Celebrations
Planning is well under way for the 2024 Australia Day celebrations, which will see a fun day of events and activities for the community to enjoy.
City of Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone is again looking forward to the Australia Day celebrations, saying it will be a proud moment presenting the prestigious Citizen of the Year Awards while welcoming new citizens to our great city at a special ceremony on the eve of Australia Day, and then joining the community at the picnic the following day.
Headline act “The Splash Test Dummies” will lead the entertainment at the Australia Day Picnic with an array of stunt work, dazzling acrobatics, dexterous juggling, and side-splitting slapstick comedy.
There will also be plenty of live music from local musicians including Emily performing as Miss E, pub favourite Jack Daw, and well-known and loved Gavin Chandler.
Other activities will continue to cater for families with a range of food and drink to keep everyone happy.
Council will also sponsor a free bus service to ensure the event is accessible to residents throughout the city without private transport.
More information will follow on Council’s website, including the bus route. Click the link to read the full media release: https://bit.ly/3TWywhp
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Migration Information Webinar
RDAEP and the Local Jobs Program are hosting a FREE online Migration Information Session for businesses on 31 January for businesses in the Upper Spencer Gulf and Eyre Peninsula.
The webinar will be held on Zoom and include presentations from the Dept of Home Affairs, the Dept for Industry, Innovation & Science (DIIS) and the Pacific Australia Labour Movement (PALM) Scheme.
Some topics include:
-The new migration strategy
-Ways employers can sponsor skilled international workers
-State-nominated visa programs
-Hiring workers to fill agricultural and agriculture-related food product manufacturing
Click the link to register: https://bit.ly/3Hf3Q3h
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2024 South Australian Volunteer Awards
The nominations for the 2024 South Australian Volunteer Awards will be open between Monday 15 January and Sunday 10 March.
The Awards, which recognise the invaluable work that volunteers, volunteer managers, community organisations and businesses contribute to the South Australian community, will be presented at a special Volunteers Recognition event hosted by Volunteering SA&NT on Wednesday 22 March.
Nominations can be made in the following categories:
The Joy Nobel Medal, 'The Andamooka' Community Project, The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award, The Premier's Award for Corporate Social Responsibility and The Young Volunteer Award.
Any member of the public can nominate eligible recipients for these awards. Award guidelines and the nomination form will be available from January 15.
Click the link to view criteria and nominate: https://bit.ly/3RTGSDR
