Draft Budget Targeting Exciting Future – Have Your Say!
Key points:
- This is your chance to influence Whyalla City Council’s priorities for the next 12 months
- The draft budget focuses on positioning Whyalla to capitalise on the exciting opportunities on the horizon (billions of dollars in hydrogen investment), while maintaining / improving existing services and assets
- It prioritises existing services plus liveability improvements, such as the Foreshore Master Plan; $4m Cuttlefish Coast Project; and $900,000 Jubilee Park upgrade
- Aimed to entice new workers to live and work in Whyalla, while also benefiting existing residents
- Also aims to resolve legacy issues from ageing infrastructure
- Multiple ways to have your say over the next three weeks – in person and via submissions
Whyalla City Council is seeking your feedback on this year’s draft budget, which focuses on maintaining existing services and assets, while starting the groundwork to capitalise on the exciting opportunities on the horizon.
“The confirmation of Whyalla as the preferred location for billions of dollars in green hydrogen projects will be game-changing for our city, providing long-awaited diversification for our economy; creating hundreds of new jobs; increasing our population; and giving us a far more stable, secure future,” Mayor Clare McLaughlin said.
“The draft budget therefore currently prioritises several existing liveability projects – which have already been identified as priorities by the community – to help entice people to relocate to Whyalla, while also benefiting existing residents.
“On top of this, we must continue to operate and invest in the many services and assets that the community has come to rely on, such as the leisure centre, library, airport, jetty, marina, roads, footpaths, playgrounds and parks, among many others.”
The major projects currently identified include:
- The Foreshore Master Plan
- The $4m Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary Tourism and Environmental Management Project
- A $900,000 Jubilee Park upgrade
- Addressing legacy issues, particularly relating to ageing infrastructure
Mayor McLaughlin is encouraging all residents to have their say on the draft budget to ensure it captures the community’s needs and priorities.
“This document is only in draft form, so it’s critical the final version reflects the feedback we receive over the next three weeks before being adopted by council,” she said.
“There are a host of ways you can contribute, so if you’re passionate about Whyalla, be sure to get involved.”
A full copy of the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget is available to view at council offices or by visiting council’s website.
www.whyalla.sa.gov.au/council/publicconsultation
Community consultation is open from Thursday 28 April to Friday 20 May. Feedback can be provided by:
Community consultation for this year’s budget will be open from Thursday 28 April to Friday 20 May. Feedback can be provided by:
- Attending the Community Information Session at 6pm on Tuesday May 3 at the Mount Laura Homestead Museum Building (Ekblom Street)
- Completing a written submission on Council’s website Public Consultation | Whyalla City Council
- Emailing council@whyalla.sa.gov.au
- Writing to: PO Box 126 Whyalla SA 5600
- Providing a verbal submission at the May council meeting (from 5.30pm Monday 16 May)
All feedback received will be carefully considered by council prior to the adoption of the Annual Business Plan and Budget in June.
A Community Information Session will be held again this year, enabling residents to have their say on the draft budget and business plan.