The South Australian Government has earmarked $200,000 in funding for the Port Pirie Regional Council to help strategic studies into the city’s long term economic development.

 

State Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis said the funding will help the council determine how to best position itself as a gateway to the state’s mining boom.

 

ìThese studies will assist us to continue to work with the Member for Frome Geoff Brock and other community leaders in Port Pirie to ensure that the city benefits from the growth of mining activity in the Upper Spencer Gulf,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

 

The funding will enable studies to examine long-term strategies including:

  • Creating a more effective port by maximising the loading facilities and improving access so as to provide a more economic port option for mining projects;
  •  Facilitating improved facilities and capability at the council-operated Port Pirie Airport to unlock opportunities as a Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) destination for mining companies;
  •  Duplicating or expanding the natural gas pipeline from Whyte Yarcowie leading to Port Pirie and;
  • Expanding skills training within Port Pirie to provide a skilled work force for the mineral resources and mining services sector, in particular looking at the feasibility of creating a mining school in Port Pirie