Upper Spencer Gulf Mayors Canberra Bound

Following the release of their five priorities for the Upper Spencer Gulf in late March, a delegation from Whyalla, Port Pirie and Port Augusta Councils have been in Canberra pushing for a commitment from political parties, Ministers and South Australian Senators for:

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 delegation met with South Australian Senators Anne Ruston, Don Farrell, Lucy Gichuhi, Alex Gallacher, David Fawcett and the Shadow Minister for Regions, Stephen Jones.

Additional meetings with SA Senators Penny Wong, Simon Birmingham, Sarah HansonYoung, Rex Patrick and Shadow Minister for Energy Mark Butler have also been foreshadowed.

Chair of Spencer Gulf Cities, Mayor Leon Stephens notes that investment in mining and processing, renewable energy, arid agriculture, defence and tourism is providing the region with a base to become cleaner, more innovative, liveable and economically diverse.

“We are at a pivotal – but vulnerable – stage in our economic transition”

“We need our elected representatives and the next Federal Government to be actively
working with us to make the most of this ‘once in a generation’ economic transformation
and ensure our communities come out of this transition stronger, more resilient and more
economically diverse.”

(L to R) Port Pirie Deputy Mayor Alan Zubrinich, Whyalla Council CEO Chris Cowley, Port Pirie Mayor Leon Stephens, Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin, Port Augusta Mayor Brett Benbow, in Canberra to promote the Upper Spencer Gulf election priorities

With Shadow Minister for Regions, Stephen Jones

With SA Senator and Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific,Hon Anne Ruston

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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