Pictured at the announcement with Minister Catherine King were Mayor Phill Stone, Council CEO Justin Commons, Member for Giles Eddie Hughes along with Council Members and Staff.
Federal funding making splash + play plaza a reality
29 January 2025
Whyalla’s long-awaited foreshore splash and play plaza is set to become a reality, thanks to Whyalla City Council securing more than $3 million in Federal Government funding.
Federal Minister for Regional Development Catherine King has today announced that Whyalla was one of five South Australian projects securing funding through the Albanese Government’s Growing Regions Program.
Mayor Phill Stone was thrilled by the announcement, which was one of many he was expecting throughout 2025.
“It’s incredibly exciting to share this news with our community, who have been waiting patiently for progress on this project since it was announced several years ago,” Mayor Stone said.
“I’d like to sincerely thank Minister King and the Albanese Government for recognising the significant importance of this project to our community. It will make Whyalla a more attractive place in which to live; will create local jobs during construction and ongoing; and is anticipated to increase visitor spend by more than $1 million per year.
“This first-class initiative will not only benefit those who already call Whyalla home – it will be a major drawcard in helping attract the new residents that are needed over the coming years to service the major industrial projects in the pipeline.”
Mayor Stone paid tribute to the hard work of council staff in demonstrating why this project should be funded ahead of hundreds of other worthy applicants across the nation.
“The scale of the project meant we were always reliant on external funding – to add to the $3 million budgeted by council – which made our funding application critical to its success,” he said.
“Few people realise the amount of behind-the-scenes effort to get to this point, so it’s important our people are recognised for the effort they’ve put in to get this amazing outcome for Whyalla.
“I’d also like to thank the community for their input into the project, both during the design of the foreshore master plan, and in sharing their stories as part of our funding submissions.”
Council released detailed designs of the project in late 2023, which can be viewed here. Some of the key features include:
- Numerous water-play features, such as a water curtain, sprays and water bucket
- Outdoor adventure play (with junior, senior and accessible elements)
- The designers have aimed to make it ‘uniquely Whyalla’, with the adventure play space framework replicating various structural elements of the Whyalla Steelworks
- Wave lawn
- Scooter track
- Shelter and seating
You can read the Federal Government announcement on Minister King's website. Council will provide updates on how the project can progress – including expected timeframes – once the funding details have been finalised.
Council is also awaiting an update on its bid for State Government funding in relation to the new foreshore community plaza building, incorporating the Surf Life Saving / café / kiosk, so will update the community as soon as possible on this part of the project.
An artist’s impression of the stunning new Whyalla Foreshore splash + play plaza.