Senator for South Australia Annette Hurley today joined the Whyalla community and Council in celebrating the official opening of Stage 1 of the Whyalla Foreshore Redevelopment.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government Anthony Albanese said that the Rudd Labor Government provided $730,000 to the Whyalla City Council for the over $2.1 million project from the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program now totals over $1 billion and is a key part of our Economic Stimulus Plan, delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term.

“Importantly, thirty local jobs were supported during the construction of this project and more are expected to be created on an ongoing basis.”

The Redevelopment is the first stage of implementation of a master plan which will see the total transformation of the Whyalla Foreshore, improving access and the quality of public infrastructure at the site.

“Works so far have enhanced the central precinct of the foreshore. They include improvements to paving, lighting, street furniture, shelters, barbecue areas, landscaping, disabled access to the beach and pathways between the beach and parklands,” Senator Hurley said.

“The beach and foreshore area is the City’s most popular destination during summer months, catering for many thousands of residents. The redevelopment will provide a quality social gathering area for the community.”

In partnership with every local council in Australia, the Rudd Labor Government is delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects like this one, including new and refurbished public libraries, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds, and child care centres.

“The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program’s remaining $220 million will be made available to councils in coming months, with the Whyalla City Council set to receive at least another $292,000,” Mr Albanese said.

“This additional funding will support even more local jobs and rebuild even more of the nation’s vital community infrastructure.”

Mr Albanese and Senator Hurley congratulated the Whyalla City Council and the local community for helping deliver Stage 1 of this project and building a stronger region for the future.