Why Ocean Eyre

Government spending on infrastructure:

Council has planned or is undertaking a range of major infrastructure projects to improve the city's investment potential, attractiveness, liveability and efficiency of operation including:

Development of the Whyalla Industrial Estate – $12 million project.Enlarged Landfill - $2 million project.Foreshore redevelopment - $6m overall, stage one commenced Feb 2010- $2m committed.Airport upgrade - $4 - $6m  New central library - $5 million complete.Civic Building redevelopment - $2m complete.Main street upgrade - $1m complete.Water recycling projects - $2 millionRedevelopment of Whyalla TAFE campus site - $6 millionSchool sites development – up to $20 million

Defence Force spending:

CULTANA RANGE:

The defence forces expect to undertake significant infrastructure development at Cultana, where expansion is well underway. With the relocation of the Darwin battalion to Edinburgh (generating an estimated $100m economic activity per annum), use of the Cultana Range for training purposes will increase, providing positive economic spinoffs for the city.

AIR WARFARE DESTROYER AND SUBMARINE PROJECTS:

These defence projects are creating work for Whyalla companies. E & A Limited has a branch in Whyalla (Whyalla Fabrication) which has won metal fabrication work on defence projects. This company has moved into much larger premises adjacent to the Industrial Estate in anticipation of expanding its activity and workforce to service the mining and defence industries.

Private spending on infrastructure:

Port Bonython Bulk Ore Export Depot

A $600 million bulk commodities port is proposed for Port Bonython, just north of Whyalla. The port is seen as vital infrastructure for the development of the mining industry.  Not just for iron ore, it will also provide a viable alternative for other bulk commodities such as copper concentrate exports. Collectively it could be the equivalent of another Olympic Dam on the doorstep. The construction of an ore export port would involve a large temporary construction workforce. There would be a range of activities which could be undertaken by local firms and ongoing employment to service port operations and to provide maintenance and transport services.

Desalination plant to service the Olympic Dam expansion

The proposed desalination plant would be another major project in the range of several hundred million dollars involving a large temporary construction workforce which would be serviced from Whyalla. Ongoing employment would involve a range of service operations within the city.

Port Bonython Fuels storage and refinery

The Port Bonython Fuels storage facility and refinery has been approved by State Government. This project will involve the import and distribution of 500 million litres of diesel per annum to service mining operations in the region. A refinery is planned for stage 2. Capital expenditure on the project is estimated at $70 million. This will involve a significant construction workforce and ongoing employment for plant operations, servicing and transport activities including a significant fleet of tankers to be used to transport fuel around the region.

An ocean of future prosperity.

The glory days of Whyalla are on their way back. The resources boom and significant investment by mining companies and government have sparked a revitalisation of the area. Not since the ship-building era peaked in the 1970s has there been such optimism and forward thinking.

The current economic base of Whyalla is expanding with new global industries being targeted including aquaculture, sustainable development and renewable energy technologies.

Discussions surrounding a new bulk ore port, the establishment of a Solar Thermal Concentrating demonstration plant are indicators of room for further expansion.

The region has potential for additional mining and mineral processing with exploration activity confirming new mineral resources. Further development opportunities exist in the areas of resource processing, sustainable development, fisheries and aquaculture, and education and training.