He said the town was in place for the “perfect storm” from the mining boom.

“There is huge potential here,” he said.

“I reckon Port Pirie is perfectly positioned.”

Cr Gadaleta believes that the days of school leavers moving to Adelaide to take on professional opportunities or trades may be over.

“I believe they will now focus more on opportunities that are available for them with the mining boom,” he said.

“Furthermore, apprentices in the mining field who come here will have international benefits in their senior years, whereas in the past apprenticeships were localised.”

He was immensely proud of Port Pirie and said it was more central than Port Augusta and Whyalla.

“We have got the Clare Valley, Flinders Ranges, Wallaroo, Moonta Bay and Port Hughes nearby,” he said.

He drew part of his inspiration for changing this culture from his own experiences.

“My son left to go to Adelaide,” he said.