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Long-awaited Whyalla foreshore upgrade underway after years of delays

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Construction has begun on a new community water park and upgraded foreshore in Whyalla, South Australia, after a five-year wait.
  • The project aims to boost the regional city's economy, which has been impacted by issues at the Whyalla Steelworks and an algal bloom affecting tourism.
  • The upgrade includes a splash playground, with funding from the local council and a federal grant, and is seen as a significant step towards revitalizing the city's waterfront.

Whyalla locals are celebrating the commencement of construction on a long-awaited community water park and foreshore upgrade. The project, situated on the South Australian city's waterfront, is expected to bring much-needed revitalization and economic stimulus after years of delays.

The steelworks was a real kick in the guts for everyone, and we noticed a real downturn. Then the cuttlefish [was] another kick to the guts.

— Brad GriffinA local hotel manager describes the economic impact of the steelworks issues and the algal bloom on the city.

The idea for the splash playground was first proposed five years ago. Its development is seen as crucial for boosting business in Whyalla, a regional center that has recently faced significant economic challenges. These include operational difficulties at the Whyalla Steelworks and the impact of an algal bloom that forced the closure of the popular swim-with-the-cuttlefish season this year.

Whyalla City Council has committed $3 million to the large-scale project, with the remaining $3.14 million coming from a federal grant through the Australian government's Growing Regions Program. Residents have expressed keenness for the construction to begin, viewing the upgraded foreshore as a positive development. Brad Griffin, who manages several hotels in the area, noted the town's downturn following the steelworks issues and the cuttlefish season closure, which led to booking cancellations and a drop in accommodation occupancy.

Lots of people are calling up and cancelling or pushing off bookings, so it definitely hurt us.

— Brad GriffinThe hotel manager explains how the city's challenges affected his business.

Mayor Phill Stone acknowledged the delays and redesigns but highlighted the excitement surrounding the groundbreaking. He stated that the last major development on the foreshore was 40 years ago, emphasizing that this project marks the "start of a totally rejuvenated foreshore." Resident Jess Scott also welcomed the splash park for families but expressed a desire for more amenities, such as food and drink options, along the "under-utilised foreshore."

Forty years ago was the last major development. It is time for the next step. It will be the start of a totally rejuvenated foreshore.

— Mayor Phill StoneThe Mayor emphasizes the significance of the project for the city's future development.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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