The Federal Government is investing almost $11.5 million in South Australia’s regions to deliver community infrastructure that will improve liveability for communities and boost local economies.
Five projects will be allocated funding through the Growing Regions Program to build or upgrade social infrastructure – such as sporting clubs, playgrounds and art centres – that improves the lives of locals.
The City of Whyalla will receive $3.14 million to deliver the Whyalla Beach Splash & Play Plaza – a destination adventure playground for families and visitors alike.
The project will include the construction of an adventure play facility for children and adults, designed for obstacle play with water, nature and accessibility features.
The project will also include shelter and seating to create a destination by the Whyalla foreshore for all ages, support 42 jobs during construction and 12 ongoing per annum jobs once open; and provide around $1.2 million visitor spend to the economy.
Other successful South Australian projects, which went through a competitive, merits-based assessment process, include:
- $3.5 million to the Kingston District Council to deliver a new childcare centre in Kingston including a nature-based outdoor play space, indoor education environment and consultation offices for child allied health services
- $2.5 million to deliver men’s multidisciplinary art studios at four established Indigenous Art Centres across South Australia including Mimili Maku Arts, Kaltjiti Arts, Tjala Arts, and Umoona Community Arts. This will allow these successful studios to introduce better men’s cultural learning and knowledge with an emphasis on employment and training pathways
- $1.4 million to redevelop the Penola Football Club and Community Sports Hub to be more accessible, flexible, sustainable and able to continue into the future
- $900,000 to the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton to upgrade the Orroroo Main Street and revitalise the town’s CBD. This includes wider footpaths to support outdoor dining and pedestrian access, improved disability access, traffic upgrades to enhance safety, tree planting and more
This funding follows $23 million already allocated to South Australia under the first round of the Growing Regions Program.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that whether sports clubs or community hubs, parks or pools, social infrastructure is the backbone of connected societies.
“From the Limestone Coast to the APY Lands, the Federal Government is delivering the infrastructure our regions need, investing millions into South Australia to ensure it can thrive.”
Senator for South Australia, Karen Grogan, said that funding for these much-needed projects across South Australia will deliver infrastructure that increases community cohesion, liveability and accessibility.
“The Growing Regions Program is making local priority projects a reality, and I look forward to seeing the significant benefits this funding will provide for South Australian communities,” Senator Grogan said.
City of Whyalla Mayor, Phill Stone, thanked Minister King and the Federal Government for recognising the significant importance of this project to the community.
“This first-class project will make Whyalla a more attractive place to live, while expecting to increase visitor spend by more than $1 million per year,” Mayor Stone said.
“It will not only benefit those who already call Whyalla home but also be a major drawcard in helping attract new residents that are needed over the coming years to service the major industrial projects in the pipeline.”
