Whyalla Development

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:50): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister tell the chamber about projects being delivered through PIRSA and other state and federal agencies to support regional development in Whyalla?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:50): I thank the honourable member for his question. Clearly the last day has been hugely significant for the people of Whyalla as well as for our state and our nation. The actions that have been taken by our government, with the broad support of members of state parliament across the board and alongside the Albanese government, to set up the Whyalla Steelworks hopefully for generations to come, mean that we also see the opportunity to ensure the viability and prosperity of the city of Whyalla for generations to come.

The Whyalla community is resilient, and they have displayed this spirit over a number of decades now. We understand, of course, that the community has endured hardship before, as many are enduring now, on the back of the success or otherwise of the steelworks. Like the steel the city is famous for, the people are strong and resilient.

While all in this chamber would be aware of the importance of the steelworks to the city of Whyalla, the state and the nation in terms of sovereign capability, providing the steel for the crucial material we need with the resources we have, I want to highlight the actions our government has taken to further strengthen and build the community of Whyalla that improve the quality of life in the region by enabling smaller projects.

One very notable association with Whyalla is the incredible Australian giant cuttlefish aggregation that occurs on its doorstep. Every year around wintertime thousands of people flock to Whyalla to take part in not only witnessing one of nature's great marine spectacles but also to immerse themselves in the festivities around the city that have been growing around this natural wonder over the years.

The growth in tourism to Whyalla has seen the city and the state and federal governments invest in infrastructure to cater to the growing demand, doing so in such a way that it does not compromise the marine environment that attracts thousands upon thousands of cuttlefish to the waters off Whyalla.

The state government has made available another $100,000 towards a study into design options for the Cuttlefish Cove Experience, further building on the momentum behind the increasing tourism to the region each winter which is so important for local businesses. One of the first actions I took as minister was to reinstate protections for the Australian giant cuttlefish in the Upper Spencer Gulf, protection that was allowed to lapse under the former government. The community in Whyalla was very clear that they wanted the species protected, which would in turn protect their continued investment in bringing people to the region to witness this spectacular event.

The city's foreshore will also see major investment, with state government delivering $5 million to fully fund the upgrade of the Whyalla Surf Club and cafe. This project, being undertaken by the Whyalla city council, is another important asset that provides opportunities for residents and tourists to Whyalla to participate in the local community in different ways.

These projects are among many being funded by local, state and federal governments, importantly including a vital upgrade to the Whyalla Airport, a project supported by all three levels of government at a cost of $32.4 million. Also, I am sure many kids in Whyalla will look forward to the Whyalla Beach Splash and Play Plaza, another fantastic project that has received support from the federal government.

When we talk about Whyalla we have to talk about and think about the community and the region as a whole. The steelworks underpin so much of the city's prosperity and, in ensuring it has a future, we can invest in the incredibly hardworking community that provides the skills that keep our nation making its own steel.

It has been very encouraging to hear the sentiments from Whyalla over the last few days, that of relief and hope. Today and yesterday have been momentous in the history of Whyalla and our state, and mark the start of what I am sure will be a positive chapter for the community.