Jobs boost as federal Government injects $19.4m into eight projects in the Upper Spencer Gulf region

THE Upper Spencer Gulf is set for a major jobs windfall, as the Federal Government injects $19.4 million into eight projects in the region.

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THE Upper Spencer Gulf is set for a major jobs windfall, as the Federal Government injects $19.4 million into eight projects in the region.

The projects are expected to create more than 500 jobs, the Government says, after receiving grants from the national $222 million regional jobs and investment package.

The successful projects, in Whyalla, Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Fitzgerald Bay, were identified for their capacity to drive economic growth and jobs.

Max Crane & Equipment Hire, at Whyalla, will receive $4.7 million towards its $12 million purchase of one of the largest telescopic mobile cranes in Australia, and associated equipment.

The specialised equipment will allow the company to expand its capability in the renewables sector, predominantly for wind tower construction and maintenance.

Whyalla’s Ice Engineering and Construction has received funding for half of its $10 million project to create a heavy industry manufacturing and services hub.

Regional Development Minister John McVeigh.

Regional Development Minister John McVeigh said that project alone would create 193 jobs — 169 of which would be ongoing — and support key industries such as energy, mining and defence.

“We are committed to revitalising South Australia’s economy and I am delighted to see so many quality projects identified in the region,” Mr McVeigh said.

The Upper Spencer Gulf was the only South Australian region, and one of 10 nationally, to be in the pilot funding program.

Other SA projects include:

WHYALLA Aged Care will start the first stage of a lifestyle village and build a community centre ($3 million funding).

UPPER Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group will broker and support local delivery of higher education to meet workforce needs in Port Pirie and Port Augusta ($1.1 million).

PEATS Soil & Garden Supplies, at Stirling North, will construct an advanced composting facility ($2.7 million).

CLEAN Seas Seafood will expand yellowtail kingfish operations to Fitzgerald Bay, and upgrade its support facilities at Point Lowly ($2.5 million)

BUNGALA Aboriginal Corporation will provide a mobile catering service for more than 350 workers during construction of the Bungala Solar Farm, near Port Augusta ($75,000).

JESKO, at Whyalla, will construct a new industrial building to house bigger and more modern commercial dry cleaning and ironing machines ($166,000).