Whyalla Council’s Point Lowly survey

Summarised by John Petkov, Applied Statistics Unit, University of SA

Of 277 valid yes/no responses the Uni paper identified 37 approvals (13%) and 240 disapprovals (87%). But because the responses were to a state government proposal with no alternative sites and having the false premise that there is no alternative deep sea port site near Whyalla, then they should be viewed in that light.

87% of residents say NO

In effect the responses were to an SA government proposal with only two options: 1. Port and industry on the Point Lowly peninsula or 2. No port or industry near Whyalla. Thus the 13% who approved the proposal were adamant that the industry must be developed, not necessarily that it be at Point Lowly since they were not offered an alternative site.

The Whyalla Council is now urged to look at an alternative port and industrial site to Point Lowly. Continuing to "sit on the fence" is equivalent to voting AGAINST the possibility of an alternative port site and AGAINST saving Point Lowly with a win-win outcome for Whyalla and the developers. Delaying a decision is also effectively a vote FOR a compromised port site at Point Lowly, destruction of its tourism and recreation value, risk to the ecology and a lose-lose outcome for everybody.

The residents of Whyalla have spoken and the council must now take a position on Point Lowly according to the wishes of the community. A position of "No position" is no longer acceptable. Latest poll confirms Council Poll.

Council must take a position: No industrial development at Point Lowly

There are better alternatives. More.

Residents say No

But time is running out

Lights back on

The Whyalla Council has turn the Point Lowly Lighthouse light back on with a dimmer yellow light