There is a feeling of uncertainty and frustration in Whyalla as the town grapples with more job losses. This time associated with mines linked to steelwork owner GFG Alliance. The state government says it is working ‘frantically; with the company to ensure the town continues to have a strong future.
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00:00John O'Halloran sells cleaning products in Wyala.
00:05He doesn't sell directly to the towns, steelworks or mines, but says recent job losses are having
00:10a knock-on effect.
00:11There's a high level of uncertainty and rightly so, people depend on steelworks directly and
00:20indirectly.
00:21On the streets, a similar sentiment.
00:23Yeah, I think everyone's really stressed and nervous about what's going to happen.
00:29Jobs have been growing in the community over recent months.
00:32Yesterday it was announced that 116 jobs will go next month at iron ore mines linked to
00:38the steelworks owner GFG Alliance.
00:40That follows 56 miners being let go in May, while 48 people were retrenched at the steelworks
00:46last month.
00:47And the company has also admitted it's reducing cost on maintenance, and met with union officials
00:52today to discuss the issue.
00:54The state government says it's been in regular contact with GFG.
00:57To make sure that this city continues to thrive and grow, they're going through a tough
01:00time and the government is working behind the scenes frantically.
01:03A community forum has been planned for this Sunday in Wyala by state MP Frank Pangelo,
01:09to give people a chance to get together and discuss their concerns.
01:13Mr Pangelo told parliament this week that GFG owes key contractors about $100 million.
01:19But long-time local Ian Wirth says he's seen problems in the industry before.
01:24He's holding hope the town will survive.
01:26I feel very concerned for the people that have lost their jobs and the other people
01:30that are worried.
01:32At the end of the day I believe this is a hiccup.
01:36Whether it is just another hiccup remains to be seen.