Local businesses have been given a competitive edge through the establishment of a Whyalla Special Economic Zone which will drive local industry involvement in government projects.
Under the Whyalla Special Economic Zone, local businesses will benefit from a 30 per cent weighting to help them secure government work.
Any State Government procurement valued at $220,000 or more within the region, or projects that can deliver direct economic benefits, will now require a Whyalla Tailored Industry Participation Plan.
These plans will carry a minimum weighting of 30 per cent in the tender evaluation process, ensuring government-funded projects contribute directly to economic sustainment and growth in Whyalla.
The Whyalla Tailored Industry Participation Plans will:
- Measure the number of businesses located within the Whyalla Special Economic Zone directly and indirectly involved in delivering government projects.
- Track the number of local workers engaged in project delivery, particularly recently displaced Whyalla Steelworks employees.
- Support these businesses and workers with training, skills development, and upskilling opportunities.
This model has been successfully implemented in bushfire-affected regions, including Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide Hills, reinforcing its effectiveness in supporting economic recovery and growth.
It follows the State and Federal Government’s $2.4 billion package to save Whyalla Steelworks, support local jobs and encourage more investment into Australian made iron and steel.
Similar local procurement requirements have already been factored into the State Government’s recent infrastructure announcement, with the state contributing $13.8 million towards the $32.4 million upgrade of the Whyalla Airport.
The Industry Advocate, John Chapman OAM, who has also taken on the role of Whyalla Regional Coordinator, is available to ensure that State Government projects in and around the Whyalla region actively engage local businesses and workers, creating new opportunities for those impacted by recent job losses.
