Zero Co in Whyalla.
City Update 22 November 2024
Zero Petroleum – the world’s leading producer of carbon-neutral synthetic fuel, made from just air (carbon dioxide) and water (hydrogen) – has taken another step towards a commercial-scale synthetic fuel plant being considered for Whyalla. It’s announced a feasibility study partnership with the South Australian Government, Adelaide Airport and Qantas to develop a first-of-a-kind facility to be known as Plant Zero.SA. Zero have stated Whyalla “is an ideal location to power Zero’s carbon-neutral process”.
Although the project is still a long way from becoming a reality, Mayor Phill Stone welcomed the progress, showing that cutting-edge industries continue to be interested in Whyalla as a result of the State Government’s investment in hydrogen: “This gives us continued optimism for the city’s future. Regardless of whether this particular prospect goes ahead in Whyalla, it demonstrates that the eyes of the world are squarely focused on our city and realising the major potential for our green energy future.” Read our full update from Zero’s recent visit to Whyalla here: https://bit.ly/47FpwBX
If you have any queries regarding Zero, head to zero.co. For more information on the Hydrogen Jobs Plan, please contact the Office of Hydrogen Power SA via OHPSA.enquiries@sa.gov.au or by visiting Shop 73 Westland Shopping Centre.
Here is a video of their recent visit to Whyalla:
Hydrogen Jobs Plan progress
Great to see further progress for the Hydrogen Jobs Plan, with a contract signed for the turbines to power the new plant. Premier Peter Malinauskas said: "South Australia is at the forefront of the global shift to clean energy, and our investment in 100% hydrogen-capable technology at Whyalla sets a new standard for what’s possible. This partnership with GE Vernova, through ATCO Australia, brings us one step closer to a future powered by zero-emission hydrogen, positioning South Australia as a leader in renewable energy innovation." Check out more detail in the post below.
For more information on the Hydrogen Jobs Plan, please contact the Office of Hydrogen Power SA via OHPSA.enquiries@sa.gov.au or by visiting Shop 73 Westland Shopping Centre.
Kloeden Reserve Development
The state government is releasing five significant projects to the property development sector by the end of the year – including Whyalla’s Kloeden Street reserve – enabling developers to take advantage of a once-in-a-generation pipeline of projects across the state, such as the Hydrogen Jobs Plan. Mayor Phill Stone said this is further proof of the government’s confidence in Whyalla’s future: “This is just one example of council’s consistent, ongoing collaboration with the government behind the scenes resulting in economic benefits for the community, with more of these types of projects still to come.”
Read the full announcement here: https://whycc.au/kloeden.
Find out more about the Kloeden investment opportunity here: https://whycc.au/4fsMPlJ
Foreshore Masterplan update
Despite being knocked back for Federal Government funding for our foreshore community plaza and water play project earlier this year, we’ve bounced back, dusted off the disappointment and had another crack at some more funding! We know how much the foreshore means to all of you – that showed in the huge amount of feedback that resulted in the Foreshore Master Plan – which is why we’re doing everything we can to get some development happening. We’re hoping to hear back early in the new year, so we’ll keep you updated.
In the meantime, we’ve broken down the planned development into stages to see how much we can progress over the coming two years using budgeted council funds. We’re aiming to renew our street furniture, upgrade playground equipment and install sculptural installations that share our stories of steelmaking. We’ll look to utilise local skills for this to try and generate work for those impacted by the downturn in our economy – we’ll have more on that next week.
Latest edition of 'From the Mayor's Desk'
Welcome to the November 2024 edition of 'From the Mayor’s Desk' with Mayor Phill Stone.
Following each Ordinary Council Meeting Mayor Phill Stone will recap a number of important topics and provide a snapshot of what was discussed.
In this edition Mayor Stone covers these talking points:
Community survey results, election of the Deputy Mayor, the Northern Water Supply Project, a report on the recent Cuttlefest season, pageant float applications closing soon and more!
For further information from our Council Meetings please visit and review the agenda and minutes from any Council Meeting here: https://whycc.au/meetings
Appointment of the Deputy Mayor
Congratulations to Councillor Peter Borda on being appointed to Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months. Peter expressed his excitement, saying, "We have a shared journey ahead of us as a community and I believe that by listening and working collaboratively, together we can achieve great things! I'm committed to creating opportunities for open dialogue and problem solving directly with every committed resident of Whyalla."
Mayor Phill Stone congratulated Deputy Mayor Borda on his appointment and thanked Councillor Tamy Pond for her significant efforts in supporting him during her term as Deputy Mayor.
Deputy Mayor Peter Borda.
Whyalla Airport Café
Great news – the Whyalla Airport Café is set to officially reopen in December, with Tracey Ewbank and her team selected to operate the space following a successful expression of interest. Tracey is no stranger to the airport, having worked at the facility for over 10 years, with this new venture completely separate from her current role. “I was ready for a new challenge," Tracey said. "With my passion for hospitality, it felt like the perfect opportunity.”
The café’s hours will coincide with flight schedules, offering a variety of food and beverage options. The menu will feature a range of choices, from homemade cakes, slices, biscuits, toasted sandwiches, pies, pasties and sausage rolls. The café’s beverages will initially include soft drinks and hot drinks, such as coffee and hot chocolate.
“We’re committed to providing great food and drinks, with options like breakfast muffins in the morning and cheese boards for afternoon flights - we’re aiming to make as much of the food as we can from scratch,” she said.
Please join us in congratulating Tracey and her team on this exciting new venture!
Citizen of the Year Awards
Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with the Young Citizen of the Year award recipient for 2024 Elysia Parker, to discuss the importance of these awards in our community.
If you know someone who makes Whyalla a better place, click the link to read the full media release and the criteria to nominate them for an award: https://whycc.au/3UNshMq