Mayor Jim Pollock said that with Whyalla’s economic position strengthening, many changes are happening across the City.
“As well as the foreshore redevelopment and several other new initiatives, Council also plans to improve key facilities such as its library services,” he said.
Council is considering a proposal to build a new library at the Westlands shopping centre, central to Whyalla. This new library would replace two existing branches, which have significant occupational health and safety issues and space constraints.
“Council is in the process of negotiating a reasonable agreement with Westlands and is preparing drawings for further community consultation,” Mayor Pollock said. “The central location of the library will be an advantage in itself as public transport is readily available.
“The new library will incorporate more youth and children’s programs, will provide a community meeting place, and a venue for the city’s local history collection to be displayed. There will also be space for visiting resources, along with special events.”
Mayor Pollock said Council has also set aside $500,000 in its 2006/2007 budget to upgrade its airport and expand the terminal. Other improvements include a $2 million renovation of the Council Civic Building, which includes a new ground floor Council Chamber, and new Mayoral and other offices.
Whyalla Leisure Centre has also reopened its doors, having changed hands from Council to Whyalla Leisure – a newly formed not for profit community organisation. Whyalla Leisure was formed to maintain the number of community groups who use the centre. Their vision is to attract as many community groups as they can thus encouraging ownership of the centre.
“The more users that come to the centre, the more money goes back into the community,” Mayor Pollock said.
