Whyalla stamps its mark on new $7.8m ‘loop’ jetty after official opening
Whyalla’s new $7.8m jetty has officially opened to the public, after local contractors contributed about 8000 hours to the project and the GFG Alliance donated 150 tonnes of steel.
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Whyalla’s new $7.8m jetty – the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere – has opened to the public.
The jetty, which is 167m long and features a circular boardwalk, is expected to be a drawcard for fishers and tourists alike.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin trumpeted the opening as a “truly spectacular achievement”, saying it would “help put Whyalla on the map”.
The State Government contributed $1m towards the build, while Whyalla Steelworks donated 150 tonnes of structural steel.
“It’s fantastic to have the city’s main industry contribute to such an important community asset, and is further evidence of (the) council and GFG working together to transform our great city,” Ms McLaughlin said.
The council was keen to see as much work as possible done by local contractors, and they contributed about 8000 hours to the project.
“There are therefore hundreds of residents who can look at the new jetty and know they contributed to a significant part of the city’s future,” Ms McLaughlin said.
Eleni Pitkin and her daughter Emily, 12 and son Connor, 9, are among locals who have already checked out the development.
“I think it’s absolutely beautiful,” Ms Pitkin said.
“It’s lovely to just go down for a walk during the day or on the weekend with the kids or for a spot of fishing. It’s a real asset for Whyalla.”
Ms McLaughlin and Premier Steven Marshall officially opened the jetty on Wednesday, at a small ceremony.
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented a large public gathering, but the council plans to hold a major community day to celebrate the jetty’s completion over the coming months.
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