Council has adopted a Foreshore Master Plan that will see Whyalla’s entire foreshore precinct completely revamped over the next four to five years. With the master planning process finalised, the project has now move to the detailed design stage. At a cost of $1 million per year, the redevelopment aims to achieve the following three main goals:
- to open up vacant land for residential development as a desirable waterfront estate
- to improve public infrastructure, which is currently run down and tired
- to redirect traffic past the beach through an esplanade, to promote the city as a coastal town.
Group Manager Development, Stewart Payne, said currently visitors are lead through the City and often do not realise Whyalla is a coastal town.
“By creating an esplanade and redirecting through traffic along this route, tourists will be automatically drawn to the beach,” he said. “Visitors and residents commonly have an industrial/steel image of Whyalla. We are aiming to create a balance between these industries and our beautiful coastal qualities to reflect the City’s true character.”
The last time any improvement work was undertaken at the foreshore was some 20 years ago. Although the area is still well utilised, Council wants to enhance the area to its full potential.
Stewart Payne said there are many exciting works in planning, such as the development of a new water fun park.
“Community consultation has contributed to individual planning components, indicating which items the public most wants to see in the development,” he said. “As a result, the foreshore will include a new promenade, a sound stage for performing arts, recreational facilities, such as a skate park and basketball court, as well as better lighting and improved public facilities, including barbeques and toilets.”
Combined with State Government funding of $500,000, Council’s current budget allocation of $504,554 will provide a good start to the overall project. Council’s contribution includes a grant of $254,554 through the Roads to Recovery Program.
As part of the plan, some 6,000 cubic meters of built up sand has already been relocated from the marina and spread along the beach to cover exposed rock.
Whyalla Mayor, Councillor Jim Pollock, said Council will monitor sand movement over the next 12 months.
“While this initiative is a simple improvement, our community is excited by what it stands for,” the Mayor said. “Whyalla is a City where not a lot has happened over the last three decades. The growth and changes that are now beginning to occur are indicative of our progressive direction for the future. We have already received much positive feedback about how good the beach is looking and we are sure to receive much more once further works are underway.”
