Mayors Welcome Zen, GFG Alliance
Upper Spencer Gulf Mayors have welcomed news that the new owner of the Whyalla steelworks has purchased a major share in South Australian renewable energy company, ZEN Energy. Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer said the partnership – known as SIMEC Zen Energy – is a significant coup for the state and for the Upper Spencer Gulf. “ It is…
Regional Cities Join Forces for Growth
Following the first release of 2016 census data, Upper Spencer Gulf Mayors have joined other regional leaders from across South Australia to consider opportunities to grow the state’s regional centres. Chair of the Spencer Gulf Cities Association and Port Augusta Mayor, Sam Johnson said the data really highlights the need for vision and political will…
Push to Decentralise Government Agencies
Port Pirie Council recently hosted representatives from Whyalla and Port Augusta as part of the bi-monthly ‘Spencer Gulf Cities Association’ meeting. The meeting discussed progress towards establishing a university study hub in the region; investigations into a tri-council planning board; drafting of an Upper Spencer Gulf transport strategy; and the partnership with other regional local government associations to promote…
Economic Boost for Upper Spencer Gulf Businesses
The Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Augusta Mayors have welcomed the announcement by the South Australian Government declaring the Upper Spencer Gulf an Economic Participation Region for the next four years. The announcement by the Treasurer, Hon Tom Koutsantonis, means that local businesses in the region will now have a stronger chance of winning government…
Upper Spencer Gulf Delegation Visits Canberra
Representatives from Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla had a whirlwind visit to Canberra last week, meeting with local member Rowan Ramsey and fourteen Ministers, Advisers and South Australian Senators. Port Augusta Mayor and Chair of Spencer Gulf Cities, Sam Johnson said the visit was important to make sure the Upper Spencer Gulf remained a…
Solar Thermal a ‘Game Changer’ for USG
The announcement this week that the South Australian Government will support a world-leading solar thermal power plant in Port Augusta is an absolute ‘game changer’ according to the Upper Spencer Gulf Mayors. The $650 million project, to be delivered by US based company SolarReserve, will see the construction of the 150MW ‘Aurora’ power plant commence…
New Higher Education Partnership for Region
Access to tertiary education in the Upper Spencer Gulf has taken a major step forward, with a partnership between five higher education providers and the Spencer Gulf Cities Group sealed today. Chair of the Group, Port Augusta Mayor Sam Johnson, said representatives from the Upper Spencer Gulf have been campaigning for this initiative for a…
Partnership Strengthens for Upper Spencer Gulf Councils
Port Augusta Council played host to its neighbouring Spencer Gulf cities earlier this week, with delegates visiting the Port Augusta power station to see firsthand the demolition and remediation of the site. The Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Augusta Council Mayors and CEOs were in Port Augusta as part of the bi-monthly ‘Spencer Gulf Cities…
Mayors and MPs Sticking Together for the USG
Upper Spencer Gulf Mayors and MPs gathered in Port Pirie last week to share progress on a wide range of regional initiatives around higher education, transport, defence and event tourism, along with updates on the sale of the Whyalla Steelworks, the Port Pirie smelter transformation and the status of Port Augusta’s push for a solar…