Whyalla Marina Proposed Concept Plan for consultation
Whyalla City Council is inviting marina users and the wider community to review and provide feedback on the modified proposed concept plan for the future of the Whyalla Marina, aimed at improving amenity, access and functionality while responding directly to community feedback.
The Proposed Concept Plan reflects the marina elements of the Whyalla Beach and Foreshore Masterplan, providing an updated and more practical vision for the area. It has been developed following the renewal of the boat ramps currently underway and in preparation for a future upgrade of the marina car park, it reflects feedback previously provided by marina user groups and reduces the overall scale and cost of development.
General Manager City Growth, Jodie Perone, said the plan represents an important next step in progressing marina upgrades in a way that balances activation with affordability and usability.
“This concept plan is an evolution of the original Foreshore Masterplan and directly reflects what we heard from marina users,” Ms Perone said.
“It keeps the key elements people supported, removes those that were costly or unsuitable, and focuses on practical improvements that enhance how the marina is used and enjoyed.”
Building on the Foreshore Masterplan
The proposed concept plan forms part of the existing Whyalla Beach and Foreshore Masterplan, recognising its original intent while updating the marina component in response to stakeholder feedback.
One significant change is the removal of the previously proposed Discovery Centre, which was identified as a high-cost, large-scale facility. Council determined the building was no longer necessary given the existing Visitor Information Centre pod and the long-term operational costs associated with a larger structure.
Key features of the proposed concept plan include:
- Upgrades to the marina car park, including resealing, line marking and improved layout
- Parking for motorhomes/caravans and overflow parking for boat trailers to better support marina users and visitors
- Relocation of the fish cleaning bay and boat washdown bay to a location closer to sewer infrastructure and in line with current environmental guidelines
- Improved public amenities, including seating, pathways and pedestrian activation points
- New green spaces to improve viewing areas across the marina
- Opportunities for additional food and beverage offerings, including a possible café location within the marina precinct
The relocation of the fish cleaning bay is intended to improve the experience for nearby food vendors and visitors by reducing odour impacts and ensuring the facility meets the latest Environmental Protection Authority requirements.
Funding is already in place for the boat ramp renewal and car park upgrades, while Council has submitted grant applications to the State Government’s Algal Bloom Fund to assist with the replacement of the fish cleaning bay.
Community Consultation
Council is now commencing consultation with marina users, including berth lease holders, building owners and mobile food vendors. This marks the beginning of the formal feedback process.
“This is where the conversation starts,” Ms Perone said.
“We encourage marina users and stakeholders to review the concept plan and provide feedback so we can continue refining it before seeking funding to deliver the next stages.”
Feedback can be submitted via Council’s official email: council@whyalla.sa.gov,au
You can view the concept plan in the council agenda, here in section 14.3.1.
Once consultation is complete, Council will review feedback and continue seeking funding opportunities to implement the proposed upgrades in line with community expectations.
