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Whyalla aims for a clean environment and new industry

Facing the challenge of major structural change in its traditional industries, Whyalla in South Australia has taken on the task of developing new economic opportunities by capitalising on its natural advantages and improving its environment.

Alderman Clint Garrett said as change occurs it is important for the City to develop new business and employment opportunities. "Whyalla is ideally sited to demonstrate the benefits of alternative energy production such as solar power," he said.

"In addition, initiatives to save energy, conserve water and green the local environment will save the City money, improve local economic prospects and make Whyalla an even more pleasant place to live."

Under the umbrella title of 'The Ecocity Project', Council has undertaken a comprehensive set of projects to change the appearance and prospects of Whyalla and give it a sustainable future.

"Already, people returning to Whyalla after many years are commenting on how much greener and more attractive the City looks," Alderman Garrett said.

The projects include water recycling, stormwater retention, greening initiatives, encouraging energy conservation principles in building, and developing of a Local Agenda 21 Plan. Water conservation is critical in Whyalla which averages less than 260 millimetres of rainfall per year.

"The City has water pumped from the Murray River at Morgan 400 kilometres away," Alderman Garrett said. "By building new dams, trapping and recycling stormwater for parks and gardens and recycling sewerage water it is estimated the cost of water provision could be reduced by nearly 70%.

"That money could then be spent within the City, creating a basis for new industry and employment in Whyalla. "At the same time, it would reduce pressure on the already challenged Murray River system."

He said people in Whyalla, critically aware of how precious a resource water is, are overwhelmingly supportive of plans to recycle sewerage water which is currently pumped into the Spencer Gulf at the rate of 4.5 million megalitres per day.

Likewise, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, Whyalla is ideal for developing solar technologies. This would lower the cost of power and provide greater spending power for other products.

Whyalla is one of five Councils in South Australia developing a Local Environment Plan under Local Agenda 21. It represents regional cities in the trial.

For further information contact Policy and Environment Planner, Denise Sharp, telephone (08) 8645 7422

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