Prepared to inform the development of a renewed regional waste, resource recovery and circular economy strategy for the Spencer Gulf Councils and the Spencer Gulf Cities Board. The preparation of this discussion paper was funded by the LGA’s Regional Capacity Building Fund.

The Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group (trading as ‘Spencer Gulf Cities’) provides a forum for the cities of Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla to come together with a strong, united voice on issues of strategic importance. Spencer Gulf Cities, comprising the Mayors (and Deputy Mayors as proxies), supported by the CEOs of the three Councils, maintains a strong focus on political advocacy, supporting regional economic transition and fostering strong local government collaboration.

The primary objective of SIA is to ensure that potential benefits are maximised while negative impacts on individuals, communities, and societies are minimised. As societal values shift toward greater inclusivity, sustainability, and accountability, SIA has become increasingly important in both the public and private sectors.

A key focus for SGC remains on establishing and utilising strong intergovernmental relationships, recognising the importance of the region to the state economy and achievement of key state targets.

A constructive, proactive and genuine partnership between the State Government and the SCC to maximise public value and outcomes (economic, social, environmental) delivered to/within/from the region through joint planning and delivery.

This Statement has been prepared as a resource to candidates for the Federal Electorate of Grey and all political parties. It highlights the issues that are of importance to the Spencer Gulf Cities (SGC) comprising the Councils of Whyalla, Port Pirie and Port Augusta and our communities in the lead up to the Federal Election.

The Upper Spencer Gulf region has, for decades, been a significant economic contributor to South Australia and the nation, through its natural mineral resources and industrial outputs. This document showcases opportunities for current and future investors, and all industry sectors, to benefit from the region’s evolution. There has never been a better time to live, work and invest in the Upper Spencer Gulf, and I encourage all to come and be part of its exciting future.

A collaboration between various industry and local government partners has resulted in the Spencer Gulf Cities (SGC) initiating a survey of the major projects proposed for the Upper Spencer Gulf region that was conducted in late February 2024. The survey captured information on current needs and how these needs are being met along with the potential needs during various phases of the projects (Planning, Early Construction, Mid-Construction, Near Completion) and then Ongoing Needs.

Spencer Gulf Cities and its member councils recognise the significant economic potential of the region as well as the need to increase the economic enabling capacity of the region to capitalise on that potential. The purpose of this document is to align our advocacy efforts and collective resources to key priority actions and outcomes that can increase the capacity of the region (economic, social and environmental) to support forecast growth (currently estimated at $15billion investment and 9000 jobs).

This report aims to capitalise and build on the strengths of the Upper Spencer Gulf, and lead the region’s transformation towards a competitive, vibrant and self-reliant economy and community.

The Upper Spencer Gulf Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy (Strategy) is a document that sets what the region is aiming to achieve and the framework for managing waste and resources over the next 5 years. The Strategy also provides background information on the drivers, and guiding principles that support the development of the Strategy’s objectives and opportunities.