With the concentration on mining and the infrastructure required to fulfill the necessary industry associated with it, planners must take into account that Whyalla is not just about mining and heavy industry.

It is obvious that the city requires housing for the influx of workers needed to staff the expansion, therefore developers are being encouraged to invest in building homes.

These two areas - industry and housing developments - appears to be where government and council are putting all their energy, but there is a much wider vision needed to make Whyalla an attractive and prosperous place for visitors and families alike.

Whyalla needs to incorporate a long-term vision for tourism.

The city has a number of unique attributes that must be taken into account when planning for the future.

Schools are full of students who will need employment and not all of them will want to be employed in mining, building or development.

Some will want jobs in tourism, some will want to work in retail and many are already looking at the hospitality and service industries including nursing, social work and in the wider health areas.

The city needs to broaden its horizons and encompass all the things that make a city sustainable and successful.

Yes, there are plans to upgrade the foreshore, wetlands, recreational areas as well as health and other essential services that a growing city needs, but there seems to be little energy being placed on these at present.

It is impossible to do everything at once but it would be encouraging for the community to 'see something being done' along these lines in conjuction with the so-called bigger issues.

Tourism must be brought into the bigger picture. It cannot be considered 'separate'.

The uniqueness of the giant cuttlefish are, at present, only enjoyed by a few divers.

Tourist operators must be sought so that a greater number of people can view this phenomenon.

A thorough plan needs to be in place to both protect our dolphins and to make them a feature for everyone.

The marina and Ada Ryan Gardens must have a fully functioning cafe where visitors and locals can get a cuppa or a light snack.

The pristine environment of Fitzgerald Bay is also unique, as is the harbour, and must be protected at all costs.

Technology is available to encompass both growth and preservation if the will is strong enough.

It is way past time to 'rush for the quick buck' we must have long-term plans.

Without it the future is bleak.

It is time for a greater depth of thinking and planning.

It can be done.