The Whyalla community shared their vision for our city at the ‘WTF – What’s The Future’ community workshop this week, with about 200 people representing a broad cross-section of our community.
People from local businesses, heavy industry, community organisations, education, sporting groups, as well as proud individuals from diverse backgrounds all came together in one room to join the conversation.
The evening’s facilitator Becky Hirst engaged the crowd, with attendees encouraged to anonymously share their responses to various questions on the big screen for all to see.
Some of the responses in relation to Whyalla’s future included being proud, excited, optimistic and inspired.
Mayor Phill Stone said he was proud to see so many residents come together with a focus on sharing priorities and committing to building a positive future for our community together.
“We truly have an exciting future and everyone in the community has a part to play in making our city great, not just for now, but for the next ten-to-twenty years and beyond,” Mayor Stone said.
“As a city, we have a lot of work to do to prepare for the major projects on our horizon and the changes they will bring, so having the community create a Community Plan will help us all to collectively focus on our respective contributions to ensure our shared vision becomes a reality.”
The night finished with attendees listing their top three priorities in relation to the question ‘What is YOUR vision for OUR city’s future?’.
Common themes included –
Housing – the need for more, including affordable housing and for those at risk
Education – importance of offering more and educating and upskilling our future generations
Health – more facilities / services / programs, more doctors and specialists
Business – diversification of industry and businesses
Sport, recreation and leisure – upgraded leisure centre, better sports and entertainment facilities for all
Youth and aged – more support and opportunities for young people, more creative outlets, more aged care facilities and services
Diversity – support for LBGTIQA+ community, more arts and cultural activities and opportunities
Tourism – more tourism opportunities, celebrate our natural assets
The next step in the process is to work with the community to help formulate a 20-year Community Plan that builds on the workshop’s feedback. This will include focus group sessions on specific topics, plus ongoing broader engagement with everyone interested in the future of Whyalla.
For those who weren’t able to attend, a recording of the workshop is now available and can be viewed below. You can also have your say on your priorities for Whyalla’s future by completing the survey here. Included in the survey is the opportunity to register your interest in being a part of the ongoing engagement opportunities.
Hard copies of the survey are available at the Civic Building and Whyalla Public Library. The survey will close at 5pm Friday 28 April 2023.