Spencer Gulf Cities 2019 Election Platform

The three Upper Spencer Gulf Mayors today revealed five priorities they are taking to the forthcoming Federal election.

Port Pirie Mayor Leon Stephens, Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin and Port Augusta Mayor Brett Benbow are seeking commitment from candidates vying for the seat of Grey to:

1. A skilled migration and decentralisation programme tailored to meet the specific needs of the Upper Spencer Gulf.
2. Investment into strategic port, rail, air and road infrastructure to secure the long term economic transition of the Upper Spencer Gulf
3. Additional Commonwealth supported university places and operational funding for the Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Study Hub to enable students to stay, study and work locally.
4. A strong, credible and evidence-based national energy policy to provide stability and certainty for investment in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
5. Coordinated and collaborative investment into civic initiatives in Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Pirie to foster well-planned city growth and liveability.

The Mayors note that investment in renewable energy, mining and processing, arid agriculture, defence and tourism is providing the region with a strong base to become cleaner, more innovative, liveable and economically diverse.

“It is a very exciting time for the Upper Spencer Gulf, but we need to maximise the flow-on benefits of current economic growth and make sure our communities come out of this transition stronger, more resilient and more economically diverse.”

“We need to make the most of this ‘once in a generation’ economic transformation.”

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Contact: Mayor Leon Stephens, Chair of Spencer Gulf Cities Mob: 0417 080 961
Mayor Clare McLaughlin, Whyalla City Council Mob: 0417 846 025
Mayor Brett Benbow, Port Augusta Council Mob: 0419 423 777

Attached: “Transforming the Upper Spencer Gulf – 2019 Federal Election Platform