USG Intergovernmental Group Meeting

The Upper Spencer Gulf Intergovernmental Group (USGIG) chaired by Minister Koutsantonis (representing the Premier) with members  including the Mayors/CEOs of the Whyalla, Port Pire and Port Augusta Councils and Local regional MPs met in Port Augusta recently to progress key strategic growth and recovery issues in the region.

The meeting included an update from John Chapman who is Co-ordinating the implementation of the Federal/State Government Support Package with a particular focus on grants for contractors impacted by the administration of the Steel Works. The take up of grants and supports were pleasing and the Mayors agreed to get the message out about the support package for those businesses in Port Pirie and Port Augusta who may not realise that if they were contracting to GFG they may well qualify for support.

The two advisory groups formed by the USGIG also provided updates on:

Workforce & Skills

• the uptake of counselling, advisory, training and skills development for displaced workers
• progress with the formation of the Jobs and Skills Hub with the decision shortly of the Regional Manager as a result of recent interviews of potential in-region candidates
• support being provided to displaced apprentices and trainees to transfer to new employers and/or complete their current training
• update on the increasing student numbers in TAFE training, particularly influenced by the reduction in class sizes and new initiatives to target specific skills needs in the region
• the conduct of a recent Workforce Summit targeted at the Health Care Sectors and the up coming Heavy Industry Workforce Summit in June (being held for the third year)

Housing

• the work being undertaken to support projects targeted as “short term” due to the progress with their developments
  • the demand profile which was potentially impacted by the take-up of local housing and the use of tourism accommodation by projects and developers
• government support through the Office of Regional Housing to support projects with committed long term leasing and financial offsets
• the need to address key water infrastructure, particularly in light of the preparation of the next regulatory funding bid by SA Water to ESCOSA
• the cost of builds in the region out-pacing valuations and potential sale values and the impact this is having on some projects gaining financial support
• student accommodation and short-term needs for professionals working in the region required further work to quantify the actual needs

Port Pirie Mayor Leon Stephens said that “the meeting was a great opportunity to gain an update on  the implementation of the Whyalla Support Package and the tremendous collaboration that is occurring between governments, including specific support from our Councils as they continue to support their communities. The Minister provided useful insights into government decision making processes and the importance of early engagement in key projects, particularly where funding support is being sought”.

“These meetings give us a chance to reinforce the impact on what’s happening with the Steelworks on the region as a whole. I was pleased that the Minister and the government are keeping a line of sight on these broader impacts and welcome the insights of all the Mayors. Having these frank and open
discussions are critical in getting the balance right between the economic and social impacts on our communities”, said Port Augusta Mayor Linley Shine.

Whyalla Mayor Phil Stone said “we welcome the partnership approach being adopted by the State and Federal governments. We are playing our part in spreading the message of support available to everyone impacted by the Steelworks whether they be employers, contractors, workers or prospective workers. The ongoing presence of various government agencies in Whyalla is providing tremendous confidence to our community confirming that we are all in this recovery together and we all recognise
that it will be a long process with lots of small wins along the way”.

Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said, “The Malinauskas Labor Government remains steadfast in our commitment to the Upper Spencer Gulf and supporting the region’s workers and businesses. This group enables those on the ground to receive vital updates on the $2.4 billion package being rolled out to save Whyalla Steelworks, delivered in partnership with the Albanese Labor Government.”

Contact:

Mayor Leon Stephens Mob: 0417 080 961
Mayor Linley Shine Mob: 0419 423 777
Mayor Phil Stone Mob: 0491 276 764
Wendy Campana Mob: 0417 861 783
Tom Richardson Mob: 0416 144 977