Upper Spencer Gulf Intergovernmental Group Meeting

The Mayors of the cities of Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie and their CEOs are members of the Upper Spencer Gulf Intergovernmental Group, chaired by Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis on behalf of the Premier, with other members being the CE of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and local MPs, Eddie Hughes and Geoff Brock.

At the last meeting the following issues were discussed:

• State Government Priorities for the region
• Social issues in the cities
• Housing demand and barriers
• Role and functions of the newly formed Co-ordinator General’s Office
• Protocols for the Premier and Cabinet Ministers when visiting the region
• Whyalla Steel Works – progress
• Port Pirie Smelter
• Lack of progress with the Port Augusta Wharf upgrade
• Update on the progress with the preparation of the Master Plans in each city
• Update from the Workforce and Skills Advisory Group, including the SGC’s social media campaign to attract workers to the region
• Update on the work of the Industry Advocate in Whyalla

Of particular importance was the decision of the USG Intergovernmental Group to prepare a “USGIG – Housing and Enabling Infrastructure Action Plan”. The Plan is proposed to focus on obstacles to housing developments, the appropriate roles of the parties and timeframes to address issues. Housing is a fundamental issue for our region and it was pleasing to gain agreement on working together on our regional issues. It is proposed that a draft will be ready for discussion at our next meeting’ said Port Pirie Mayor Stephens.

Port Augusta Mayor Linley Shine said “the decision to consider a “reset”of how social issues in the cities could be addressed was particularly welcome. Port Augusta along with the other cities are seeing an increase in crime and social issues and finding more innovative ways to jointly address these issues are important to our Councils and communities”.

“Keeping the community engaged and up to date on the progress of the sale of the steel works and the status of other projects across the region was critical and I was pleased that this was noted and was front of mind of the Treasurer and Government” said Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone.

The Treasurer, Tom Koutsantonis said “the Malinauskas Government continues to focus strongly on the Spencer Gulf region, and this month provided a further $105 million in partnership with the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments to support Nyrstar to progress key feasibility work and continued operations at the Port Pirie smelter. We look forward to continuing to engage with governments across the region.”

These meetings are held on a quarterly basis with every effort made to meet in the region where possible. The next meeting is proposed to be held on Port Pirie in July/August.

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Contact: Wendy Campana Mob: 0417 861 783
Mayor Leon Stephens Mob: 0417 080 961
Mayor Linley Shine Mob: 0428 794 594
Mayor Phil Stone Mob: 0491 276 764