A Splash and Play Plaza, Foreshore Centre and $1.5 million for redundant miners and steelworkers
Whyalla has had a turbulent start to the year, with its steelworks in limbo—but in the past 24 hours, some major wins have rolled into town, with three significant funding boosts announced.
On Wednesday, January 29, Federal Minister for Regional Development, Catherine King, jetted in with an announcement of $3 million towards bringing Whyalla foreshore’s splash and play plaza closer to reality. And today, Premier Peter Malinauskas stopped by the Tumby Bay Bakery on his way to announce $5 million in funding for a new Whyalla Foreshore Centre, as well as a welcome $1.5 million workforce package for redundant miners and steelworkers. The state government will also throw in $100,000 for design options for the cuttlefish dive site to improve safety and accessibility.
This comes on top of his earlier announcement of $13.8 million to contribute to the airport runway upgrade, plus almost $20 million from the federal government for foreshore and airport upgrades.
Mayor Phill Stone said he “simply could not ask for a better start to the year” than $40 million in state and federal government funding for major community projects and support.
“This is the third announcement of significant funding in two days, once again demonstrating the power of behind the-scenes collaboration between local, state and federal government to achieve fantastic outcomes for our community,” he said.
“This will enable upgrades not seen in a generation, all while minimising any impact on ratepayers, which is a fantastic outcome.
To also prioritise programs and training for those who have lost their jobs shows the Premier and his government truly care about the community and getting us back on our feet in the short-term, while also investing in our future.”
Premier Malinauskas said the government would continue to work closely with council, the Federal Government and the community to navigate the current challenging period, while planning for the major opportunities on the horizon.
“We are doing all we can to ensure Whyalla is in the best possible position to seize the opportunities of the future,” he said.
Foreshore Splash and Play not so far away
Whyalla’s long-awaited “foreshore splash and play plaza” will feature a number of water-based activities including a water curtain, spray and bucket as well as an outdoor adventure area with a “uniquely Whyalla” design replicating structural elements of the Steelworks.
The new Whyalla Foreshore Centre will incorporate the Surf Life Saving Club, café and kiosk, with the possibility of being utilised by other tenants.
Mayor Stone said the project will not only benefit those who already call Whyalla home, but 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.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
