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Whyalla: where the outback meets the sea

Located just under 400 kilometres northwest of Adelaide, Whyalla City Council is the largest city in the Upper Spencer Gulf region of South Australia. Founded in 1901 as the town of Hummock Hill, the City was renamed Whyalla in 1914.

Often referred to as 'the jewel in the north' - Whyalla is one of South Australia's principal industrial cities, a major exporter and a significant contributor to the State's economy.

CEO, Phil Cameron, said Whyalla is a bustling multicultural centre, and the largest of three cities, including Port Augusta and Port Pirie, that form a busy industrial triangle in the northern Eyre Peninsula and Upper Spencer Golf.

"It has a rich history built on steel production and resources processing, and has attracted an extensive support base, particularly in the areas of fabrication and construction," he said.

BHP was established in Whyalla in the 1940s and soon became Australia's largest company. As a result, the coastal City was Australia's largest shipyard during World War II, growing to employ some 1,500 people. During and after the war Whyalla built many ships and the additional labour resulted in a total population of 7,500 by 1946. The City's population rose rapidly in the 1950s in response to further industrial growth, peaking at 34,450 in 1977.

Over following years labour market pressures, such as technological improvements, competition in industry and the closure of shipyards in 1978, led to a steady decline in population.

But this is fast changing. With an exploration boom confirming new mineral resources to the north and west of the City, many people are returning to this refreshed location. Today, with a population of over 21,000 people, Whyalla's economic base is expanding with new industries, such as aquaculture, sustainable development and renewable energy technologies.

The city has a Mediterranean/Californian style climate and is home to a modern integrated health service and an impressive public and private education system, including the State's only university campus outside of Adelaide.

Phil Cameron said the City is currently experiencing its largest growth spurt in history.

"We stand in the face of many exciting growth prospects and business opportunities," he said. "Our challenge now is to develop strategies to deal with these opportunities and ensure we maximise the future potential and sustainability of these developments."

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