Families and skilled workers from all around the country who are considering a sea change are being urged to relocate to regional SA.
Port Pirie is one of the regional SA cities hoping to attract new families and skilled workers. Picture: Simon Cross.
The targeted call is part of a campaign to lure more people to the Upper Spencer Gulf’s three major industrial cities – Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie.
Through Spencer Gulf Cities, the region’s lifestyle and employment opportunities are being spruiked by those who live there in a website and video series.
The more affordable housing and living on offer are also highlighted, with house prices in all three cities significantly cheaper than those in Adelaide.
Port Pirie West was most affordable, with the median house price sitting at $292,500, according to latest PropTrack data.
Port Augusta followed with a median of $312,000, then Port Pirie South at $350,000, then Whyalla at $427,000.
Iron Duke Mine near Whyalla – stage one of the Magnetite Expansion Project was announced earlier this year. Picture: Brett Hartwig.
Meanwhile, Adelaide’s median house price stands at $1.016m, PropTrack’s latest Home Price Index shows – taking over Melbourne’s, which is now at $1.015m, for the first time.
Port Augusta mayor and Spencer Gulf Cities acting chair Linley Shine said they needed workers from “a wide range of professional backgrounds”, including construction and trades, and the region would repay them through a great lifestyle.
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“All their needs and aspirations for a great life can be fulfilled in our cities, so we are keen to highlight everything we have to offer,” she said.
Whyalla mayor Phill Stone said they specifically needed skilled-workers in the steel industry.
“We are set for unprecedented change in our city as the steelworks enters the next stage in its evolution to become a world-leading green steel producer,” he said.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas meeting apprentices at Iron Duke Mine near Whyalla. Picture: Brett Hartwig.
“This will require skilled workers and their families to come from across the globe, so this campaign aims to highlight how fantastic it is to live in our region and the opportunities you can’t find elsewhere.”
Port Pirie deputy mayor Alan Zubrinich said industry and businesses would support workers to relocate and take up a diverse range of jobs as the town grew.
“Relocation is a big decision for young people and their families,” he said.
“All the support services are available in the region for settling in and becoming part of our great and diverse community.”
Regional locations across the state have become more popular in recent years, with experts explaining affordability, lifestyle and rental yields have attracted people, pushing property prices up across the board.
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