Formed in 1980 following the closing of the shipyards, the Whyalla Economic Development Board (WEDB) was established to strengthen and diversify the economic, commercial and employment base of Whyalla. Today, the organisation is part of the Local and State Government regional development strategy, and is one of 14 Regional Economic Development Boards operating in South Australia. Although WEDB is funded through the Department of Trade and Economic Development and the City of Whyalla, the organisation operates as an independent incorporated body.
WEDB has significantly assisted many organisations to establish in Whyalla, while helping to expand and develop many local businesses in an increasingly competitive world.
“Whyalla has turned a significant corner over the last 18 months and the challenge now is to manage this growth in a sustainable manner,” said WEDB CEO, Steven Arndt.
Along with Council, the South Australian and Federal Governments and local businesses, WEDB has developed a program to improve the employability and skills of local people. The Create Your Future – Goal 100 project was launched in August.
Steven Arndt said the project will provide 100 people with employment, following an intensive 20 week program and industry pledging 100 jobs.
“Through mentoring support and accredited training, this initiative prepares candidates for jobs in heavy industry through trades, apprenticeships, traineeships and plant operations positions,” he said.
Over the last 12 months, the unemployment rate in Whyalla has subsequently dropped from around 13 per cent to just 5 per cent. Steven Arndt said a key challenge has been getting people out of old routines and changing the attitudes of those who have never worked or have been out of the workforce for a long period of time.
“We are hopeful that the 250 people that missed out on getting a place in the Goal 100 program will be engaged in some form of education and training during 2007,” he said.
Steven Arndt also confirmed that resource processing company Ausmelt has signed a memorandum of understanding with Zinifex to process zinc oxide in Whyalla within the next 12 months, transforming the existing plant from pig iron production.
“Should Ausmelt’s full feasibility stack up, this plant will create an additional 25 to 30 jobs in the City,” he said.
Steven Arndt said growth in a number of industries will create jobs for the unemployed, with Whyalla employers finding it difficult to recruit locally or from other sources in Australia.
“While ensuring all possibilities for recruitment within Australia are exhausted, WEDB is also assisting employers through the skilled migration process,” he said.
Whyalla CEO, Phil Cameron, said that OneSteel has employed skilled migrants at the plant for many years, which has contributed to the diverse cultural community of Whyalla today.
“This year has seen more than 25 families relocate to Whyalla through the skilled migration process,” he said. “OneSteel regularly recruits South African workers among other nationalities. As a regional area, it has been hard to attract skilled workers to the area. With a great deal of development currently occurring in the City, we expect skilled migration to become more evident in the City in coming years. However we will continue to provide opportunities for local unemployed people – to develop skills for employment, we must look local first.”
