Whyalla fast-tracks projects to reduce steelworks impact
Whyalla City Council has announced it will fast-track a number of key projects in the area in an attempt to make up for work lost due to its troubled steelworks.
GFG Alliance’s Whyalla steelworks, which at one stage directly employed more than 1000 people, has been offline since it stopped producing steel in September in its second breakdown this year.
Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone said yesterday that the regional council had now identified several pre-planned projects it will fast-track in an attempt to “assist local businesses impacted by the ongoing economic downturn”.
More than $1 million will be invested across Whyalla’s Civic Park and the foreshore. The council said ratepayers would not be impacted, with the work already budgeted for and now just being brought forward.
The Civic Park projects, which Stone said were chosen to create an economic, visible and emotional uplift for the community, include a playground upgrade, vegetation clearance, carpark extension and bin shrouds.
Meanwhile, the foreshore will see a fast-tracked playground upgrade, beach shelter renewal and bin shrouds.
“It’s been a tough year for our community – both for residents and businesses directly and indirectly linked to the steelworks,” Stone said.
“It’s hoped these projects can create some additional work for the businesses impacted, while giving our residents an uplift – particularly families – by having access to new equipment, which always helps put a smile on kids’ faces.”
Stone noted the work would not completely offset the work lost from the steelworks, but said he hoped businesses would recognise other opportunities to diversify their work in the area.
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“This will be critical in the long-term, with a host of non-manufacturing industries expected to come online over the next decade through hydrogen, desalination, renewables, defence and associated businesses,” Stone said.
“If local engineering, fabrication and trade-based businesses can pivot to service these new industries, it will reduce their reliance on manufacturing and prevent them being severely impacted any time the steelworks has issues.
“This opportunity for shared achievement will also rely on business and industry meeting council equally and in partnership to determine how efficiencies and impacts can be maximised within the budget provided by Whyalla ratepayers.”
