Forum to discuss a fair and just transition for Upper Spencer Gulf

Upper Spencer Gulf expansion’s impact on social and community services to be discussed at Whyalla forum 

A forum led by the South Australian Council of Social Service to discuss the social planning required as part of the State Prosperity Plan will be held in Whyalla today.

The Ensuring a Just Transition for the Upper Spencer Gulf Forum will be attended by approximately 50 representatives from federal, state and local governments, local community and social service organisations, and unions and industry.

The Upper Spencer Gulf will be a focal point for the Malinauskas government’s State Prosperity Plan (SPP). The plan includes major hydrogen, green steel, and water projects in and around Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie as the state progresses in its clean energy transition.

While SACOSS and those organisations delivering social and community services in the region welcome the large scale economic uplift the SPP should bring, the forum is an opportunity to ensure that all relevant stakeholders consider the impact the expansion could have for all residents across the region.

In its 2024-25 Budget submission (available via sacoss.org.au/publications), SACOSS called for appropriate social impact and human services planning as part of the overall expansion planning, including:

  • The local economic impacts of booms and busts in the construction phases of the development plans;
  • The impact of increased population on:
  • Demand for childcare, schools and the qualified staff in those professions
  • Demand for health services including GPs, community health services (including mental health supports) and hospital infrastructure;
  • Demand for other community services such as disability supports, homelessness services, gambling help and family supports;
  • The impact of increased demand and inflationary pressures on current residents on low and fixed incomes, and the support services for those residents;
  • Additional social services demand likely to arise from an influx of people with limited connection to the area and fewer support networks. 

Quotes attributable to Ross Womersley, SACOSS CEO

The State Prosperity Plan is the type of large-scale, big-picture investment that this state needs – but with it comes an imperative to ensure that it is just and fair for all South Australians, particularly those in the Upper Spencer Gulf.

So far most of the planning has centred around the economic, workforce and infrastructure implications. What we want to achieve from our forum today is to broaden out the conversation, so that all three levels of government and other stakeholders can better understand the social implications of the proposed expansion.

No-one should be left behind by the State Prosperity Plan, regardless of their circumstances. There is a risk that, without appropriate social planning, that rapid development could generate uneven outcomes and exacerbate disadvantage in communities that have already seen their fair share of challenging social issues.

There is risk, but also opportunity. SACOSS and the many service organisations on the ground in the Upper Spencer Gulf want to ensure this transition is just, and that benefits from regional development flow to and strengthen the whole community.

In areas like housing, employment, education and skills development, gender and the delivery of essential social and health services, we must be sure that community infrastructure develops at pace with economic and population growth, and supports social equity and cohesion.  

Today’s forum is an opportunity to have an honest conversation about the planning required for a fair and just transition, and the investments that need to be made by all levels of government working together. Then we begin to act on that plan so that there is prosperity for all.

NOTE FOR MEDIA

The Ensuring a Just Transition for the Upper Spencer Gulf Forum, to be held at the Westland Hotel, will be closed to both the public and media. Media are welcome to arrive for vision opportunities from 9am, prior to the forum beginning at 9.30am.

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.

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