This is among many ideas outlined in a strategy prepared by the council, Regional Development Australia and Independent Member for Frome Geoff Brock.

State Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Department figures show that 3800 vehicles travel along the highway, bypassing Port Pirie, every day.

A new petrol station with a fast- food restaurant is possible, according to the strategy.

“When Port Wakefield is eventually bypassed, there will be no 24-hour fuel available on the highway for traffic between Bolivar and Port Augusta,” the strategy says. “It is believed that an opportunity exists to build a fuel-café fast food facility to cater for travellers and the heavy transport sector.”

The strategy flagged other ideas including assessing the opportunity for fly-in, fly-out opportunities from the airport, increasing access to the port and harbour loading facilities, duplicating the gas pipeline from Whyte-Yarcowie to Whyalla and setting up a mining school here.

A draft of the paper titled Key Strategic Priorities for the Growth of Port Pirie is up for public consultation after a move at the latest Port Pirie Regional Council meeting by Cr Joe Paparella, seconded by Cr John Rohde.