City of Whyalla, South Australia, has voted to not renew Council’s Regional Development Australia Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula (RDAWEP) membership, diverting the funds into a Whyalla-focused economic development strategy.
The annual fee normally paid to the RDAWEP will be used to set up a Whyalla economic development service to pursue direct business and investment opportunities for Whyalla. Council paid $184,101.50 for membership to the RDAWEP in 2018-19 financial year.
City of Whyalla Chief Executive Officer, Chris Cowley, said Council appreciated its working relationship with the RDAWEP but the time was now right to use these Whyalla-ratepayer funds to invest in further exciting projects and opportunities that will directly benefit the city and its residents.
“Council, in partnership with our residents and businesses, has embarked upon an amazing transformation of our city and wants to keep that ball rolling.
“This initiative, and this enhanced focus on our city, will go a long way to delivering even more projects, jobs, training opportunities and economic development that will benefit our residents and community.
“Council will use a portion of the money (previously paid to the RDAWEP) to create additional job opportunities in Whyalla in the area of economic development.
“Another portion of the money will become working capital to support economic development projects.”
