The Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group (trading as ‘Spencer Gulf Cities’) was incorporated in 1998 as a forum for the regional cities of Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla 1998 to share information, jointly implement initiatives, provide a united voice and work with Government, industry and other stakeholders in the interest of improving the long term sustainability of the region.
Our focus is to provide a strong, united voice and advocacy for the Upper Spencer Gulf; facilitate stronger collaboration and operating efficiencies across the three Councils and: support the economic transition of the Upper Spencer Gulf to cleaner, more innovative, liveable and economically diverse regional cities by:
- Realising our potential in storage-based renewable energy generation and new technology testing; value-adding and innovation in agriculture and arid-smart technologies; advanced manufacturing in minerals processing; event, cultural and marine tourism; and defence.
- Improving higher education, skills and research capabilities in our region to support these emerging sectors.
- Strategic infrastructure to improve our role as a transport intermodal hub, including expanding existing, under-utilised port facilities in Port Pirie and Whyalla and an alternative national highway crossing of the gulf at Port Augusta.
- Strengthening the role of Pt Pirie, Whyalla and Pt Augusta as regional service centres and improving community confidence and city liveability through facility upgrades; mainstreet redevelopment and activation; and improved buffer zones between heavy industry and city centres.
Spencer Gulf Cities is owned by the Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Pirie Councils and governed by a board comprising:
![Leon Stephens Mayor Leon Stephens](https://upperspencergulf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Leon-Stephens-scaled-e1690893694313-square.jpg)
Mayor Leon Stephens
![Peter Ackland Peter Ackland](https://upperspencergulf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Peter-Ackland-scaled-e1690893661823-square.jpg)
Peter Ackland
![Mayor Phillip Stone Mayor Phillip Stone](https://upperspencergulf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Phill-5-scaled-e1690893408295-square.jpg)
Mayor Phillip Stone
![Justin Commons Justin Commons](https://upperspencergulf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Justing_w-1-scaled-e1690893479349-square.jpg)
Justin Commons
![Mayor Linley Shine Mayor Linley Shine](https://upperspencergulf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Linley-Photo-sml-e1690892189773-square.jpg)
Mayor Linley Shine
![John Banks CEO John Banks CEO](https://upperspencergulf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/John-banks-CEO-e1690892863215-square.jpg)
John Banks
![Wendy Campana Wendy Campana](https://upperspencergulf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/wendy-campana-square.jpg)