State and federal governments announce more than $40m for raft of projects in struggling Whyalla

The state and federal governments have stepped in to provide a $40m funding boost for the beleaguered steel city.

In an attempt to prop up Whyalla’s struggling economy, the state and federal Labor governments will inject more than $40m worth of funding into the region.

Premier Peter Malinauskas and Federal Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell made the announcement while visiting the Whyalla Foreshore on Thursday.

Plans include a $32m upgrade to the Whyalla Airport – with the state and federal governments contributing $13.8m and $16.2m respectively – while the Whyalla City Council will contribute $2.4m.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said despite the “short-term” challenges at the steelworks, the government remained committed to supporting the city. Picture: Kelly Barnes

A $1.7m package has also been announced to help workers and contractors, affected by the ongoing troubles at the Whyalla Steelworks, transition into new employment opportunities.

This includes programs to help steel workers upskill into new roles and affected apprentices remain in their training.

Mr Malinauskas said despite the “short-term” challenges at the steelworks, the government remained committed to supporting the city.

“We are doing all we can to ensure Whyalla is in the best possible position to seize the opportunities of industrial transformation,” he said.

“These significant infrastructure and tourism upgrades will deliver tens of millions of dollars of economic activity in Whyalla, while at the same time ensuring the city is set up for a long-term future.”

Member for Giles Eddie Hughes said the funding initiatives were “good news”, in particular upgrades to the airport.

“The airport upgrade is essential for a whole range of services and organisations and especially health services,” he said.

“Without the funding commitment we would have lost our commercial flights.”

In addition, the state government will deliver $5m to fully fund the Whyalla Surf Club and Cafe upgrade, a project being undertaken by the Whyalla City Council and located along the city’s foreshore.

Whyalla Beach Splash & Play Plaza wins federal funding

Meanwhile, Whyalla’s proposed grand plan to revamp its foreshore with a dazzling new adventure water playground has secured millions in cash and will go ahead.

The council on Wednesday was given $3.14m in federal funding for its Whyalla Beach Splash & Play Plaza, which includes water-play elements, a wave lawn, a scooter track, shelter and seating areas.

Whyalla Council has put $3m toward the project, which was announced in 2021.

A key part of the splash and play plaza, which is designed for all ages, will boast a water curtain, sprays and water bucket.

It also features an outdoor adventure play for younger and older kids and those with disabilities that’s designed uniquely for Whyalla and replicates structural elements of the steelworks.

A map of the proposed Whyalla Beach Plaza & Play Precinct. Picture: Supplied

Mayor Phill Stone said he was thrilled to share the news with the community, who were eagerly waiting for an update about the project, following it was announced in late 2021.

“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.

The project is expected to bring around $1.2m to Whyalla based on predicted visitors spending, support 54 jobs, and help lure in potential new residents.

It will make Whyalla a more attractive place in which to live; will create local jobs during construction and ongoing,” Mr Phill said.

“It 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.”

“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.”

It was one of five projects that secured funding, as announced by federal regional development minister Catherine King on Wednesday.

Kingston District Council secured $3.5m for a new childcare centre in Kingston, Four Indigenous Art Centre across SA received $2.5m for men’s multidisciplinary art studios. Penola Football Club and Community Sports Hub got $1.4m for redevelopment, and the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton nabbed $900,000 to upgrade the Orroro Main St, to revamp the town’s CBD.

Originally published as State and federal governments announce more than $40m for raft of projects in struggling Whyalla