1. COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION THROUGH ENGAGEMEMENT
Kathryn Johnson, Director Infrastructure Port Pirie Regional Council
MainStreet SA Conference, 7th April 2017

2. Overview of Port Pirie Regional Council
Port Pirie Regional Council is situated on the upper reaches of the Spencer Gulf in the Southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia. The Council area includes the city of Port Pirie, a historically significant city and busy commercial regional centre, as well as the rural towns of Crystal Brook, Redhill, Koolunga, Wandearah, Mundoora, Napperby and Warnertown.
It is a diverse region encompassing agricultural and industrial activities, with a history as a major manufacturing and export centre, where industry, century old buildings and attractive parks and gardens sit side by side.

3. Council’s Priorities Growing our economy
Changing the face of Port Pirie
Changing perceptions of Port Pirie
Tourism and Events Strategy
Organisational excellence

4. Changing Perceptions Our objectives: Community’s perceptions of itself
Outsiders’ perceptions of Port Pirie
From industrial City to modern attractive cosmopolitan Regional Capital
What we are doing:
Improving lifestyle, attractiveness and creating opportunities
Southern Flinders Ranges (our backyard)
‘Be a tourist in your own town’ campaign
Bringing people to the region
Relaunching the brand of Port Pirie ‘Come See Change’

5. Changing Perceptions

6. The changing face of Port Pirie
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7. The Changing Face of Port Pirie
Recently completed
WIP
Future Projects
Foreshore upgrades
Solomontown Beach Plaza
Cultural Precinct
Skate Park
Boat Ramp
Transfer Station
Water reuse scheme
Swimming Pool redevelopment
Florence Street PLEC
City Bike Loop
CBD Playground
City Entrances
Dredging & Foreshore
Mooring pontoons
CBD Rejuvenation
Regional Sports Precinct
Greening Programs
City Wetlands
Bulk Goods Precinct
Memorial Park Upgrade
Way Finding Strategy
Nelshaby Reservoir
Renew Port Pirie
Further Foreshore improvements
Public Art
Extension to Water reuse project

8. Transforming our CBD Objectives: Physical transformation
Improving access
Make it worthy of a Regional Capital
Make it an attractive place to visit and invest in
Improving linkages with surrounding land uses
Facilitate broader city centre uses
Increase employment opportunities
Transforming vacant shops
A catalyst for other revitalisation efforts
Make use of underutilised spaces

9. Transforming our CBD

10. Tranforming our CBD The Project: Undergrounding of powerlines
Improving drainage
Streetscaping and public art
Signage and branding
Upgrade associated infrastructure
Provision of free Wi-Fi
Activating vacant shops
Bringing culture and activity to the CBD
Marketing and promotions
Engaging landlords and business owners

11. Transforming our CBD
Alexander Street
Florence Street

12. The Journey 2011 PLEC undergrounding of powerlines
2012 Retail Lands Analysis 3
2013 CBD Business Case 4
2013 CBD Master Plan 5
2016 Underground stormwater drainage upgrade 6
2016 Concept development and Detailed Design 7
2017 Construction Stage 1

13. Stakeholder Engagement
Face to face consultation
Media Releases (web, print, TV, radio)
Social Media
Letter drops
Advertising (print, TV, radio)
Fact Sheets and FAQ’s

14. Stakeholder Engagement
DESIGN PHASE
13 December Project Launch
17 February 2016 Strategic Workshop with Elected Members
18 February 2016 Shopfront display – concepts
23 March 2016 Strategic Workshop with Elected Members
12 April 2016 Shopfront display – Stage 1 & 2
22 June 2016 Adoption of Stage 1 by Council
23 November Shopfront display – Stage 2

15. Stakeholder Engagement
CONSTRUCTION STAGE 1
10 November 2016 Evening meeting with Alexander Street traders
17 November 2016 Florence Street with Florence Street traders
9 January 2017 Construction Stage 1 commenced
10 February 2017 Breakfast meeting with Alexander Street traders
Ongoing communication

16. Stakeholder Engagement
Community Consultation, 18 February 2016 (Alexander Street)

17. Stakeholder Engagement
Community Consultation, 12 April 2016 (Florence Street)

18. Stakeholder Engagement
The Recorder, 7 July 2016

19. Stakeholder Engagement
The Recorder, 9 March 2017

20. Stakeholder Engagement

21. Lessons Learned One source of information Communicate often
Don’t assume anything
Identify the ‘champions’
Promote businesses and business as usual
Go to the People; don’t expect them to come to you!
One-to-one communication is time consuming but extremely beneficial
Isolate the negative people
Eliminate the myths and misinformation