Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group

An alliance of local government, regional development and education sector representatives, the Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group supports economic and community development across the cities of Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla, South Australia.

 

The Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group is an incorporated body formed in 1998 as a crisis response to the economic downturn in the region. The group provides a forum for the three cities to continue to share information, jointly implement initiatives, provide a united voice and work with Government, industry and other stakeholders in the interest of improving the long term sustainability of the region.

 

Membership to the Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group comprises three local government authorities covering the major centres of Port Augusta, Port Pirie and Whyalla, in partnership with education sector representatives and the three Regional Development Australia boards spanning the Far North, Whyalla & Eyre Peninsula and Yorke & Mid North.

 

Whilst the group provides a forum for the three main regional centres to share information and advocate on issues of common interest, they are also intrinsically connected to their broader rural and remote hinterlands. 

 

The Upper Spencer Gulf region is home to around 55,000 residents and 2,000 small businesses, contributing to over $2.3 billion in gross regional product. The region has a strong reliance on mining, manufacturing, electricity generation and the health and education sectors.