Spencer Gulf Cities congratulates new Labor Government

Spencer Gulf Cities, comprising the Mayors of the cities of Whyalla, Port Pirie and Port Augusta have written to the new Premier for South Australia, the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP to congratulate him on becoming Premier and congratulate his team in their election success.

In congratulating Mr Malinauskas, the Mayors acknowledged the commitments made by the Labor Party in the lead up to the election including:

• Continuing the quarterly meetings between Spencer Gulf Cities and the Premier and relevant Ministers to discuss opportunities for our region to maximise the contribution to the state
• $33.1m in Health Plans for the region including:
  • Port Pirie Hospital emergency department upgrade ($12m)
  • Port Augusta hospital upgrade of facilities and infrastructure ($8m)
  • Additional drug rehabilitation beds at Port Augusta ($3.5m)
  • 30 more paramedics and ambulance officers ($7.4m)
  • Support to neighbouring towns to take the strain off Port Pirie ($2.2m)
• The building of a Hydrogen power station, electrolyser and storage facility in Whyalla, providing new jobs and industry in the region
• Port Augusta services and infrastructure including:
  • Arid Lands Botanic Gardens: A $3m election commitment to the Arid Lands Botanic Garden in recognition of the current operating deficit funded by council
  • Marine infrastructure delivery: Confirmation of support for the previous Liberal Government commitment to deliver $22m in marine infrastructure funding
  • Technical college: Delivery of a technical college in Port Augusta
  •  Anti-social behaviour: Reintroduction of a Safe City type program in Port Augusta, with the Labor state government being actively engaged and working with the council and the community in identifying what can be done and what resources are needed

Spencer Gulf Cities Chair, Mayor Leon Stephens, said that these commitments are in line with the Spencer Gulf Cities State Election Platform which recognises the increase in the population of the region that will result from the estimated $15B investment in economic growth projects and resulting in 9,000 jobs.

“We look forward to working with Premier Malinauskas and the new Labor Government to plan for delivery of the housing and other supporting infrastructure required to make these projects a success.

The future looks bright for the Spencer Gulf Cities region with ongoing economic diversification, a pipeline of potential economic growth and significant and unique opportunities on the horizon with a global shift to a zero emissions future. To support that growth, SGC is currently undertaking a range of planning processes in key priority areas and looks forward to working with the new Labor Government to address matters of importance to the region,” said Mayor Stephens.

Contacts:

Mayor Leon Stephens, SGC Chair & Mayor Port Pirie Regional Council – Mobile 0417 080 961
Mayor Clare McLaughlin, SGC Deputy Chair & Mayor City of Whyalla – Mobile 0428 698 665
Mayor Brett Benbow, SGC Board Member & Mayor Port Augusta City Council – Mobile 0419 423 777