Advocating for our city
Whyalla City Council is seeking to advance numerous critical opportunities for Whyalla by garnering much-needed Federal Government support and financial assistance.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin and CEO Justin Commons are meeting with several Federal ministers over the coming days, focusing on areas such as hydrogen valleys, the Cultana Training Area expansion, GFG Alliance’s Green Steel ambitions, growth of exports, housing needs and the Whyalla Foreshore Master Plan.
Mayor McLaughlin said Federal Government support would be critical to the ongoing evolution and future success of Whyalla.
“There are a number of projects – such as opportunities in hydrogen and defence – which will diversify our economy and ensure a sustainable, long-term future for our city,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“Given the Federal Government will be deciding the direction of these projects, it’s incredibly important we meet with the relevant ministers to advocate for Whyalla and lobby the government to prioritise our city.”
Mayor McLaughlin said Whyalla was perfectly positioned to capitalise on these opportunities.
“In terms of hydrogen developments, the State Government has already identified the Port Bonython area as a strategically-important piece of land that has the potential to create strong economic and jobs growth,” she said.
“A Federal Government commitment to position Port Bonython as one of its proposed Hydrogen Valleys would further cement our hydrogen aspirations, enabling the supply of local heavy industry – including assisting GFG to achieve its Green Steel ambitions – while exporting hydrogen to Australian and international markets.
“We can also play a key role in supporting the expansion of the Cultana Training Area, providing critical services and ensuring a highly-skilled, industry-ready workforce is in place locally to assist the needs of the Australian Defence Force.
“Our other focuses will be securing Federal funding and assistance to further diversify our economy and develop our city to cater for this evolution.”