- $10 million
now available in new round of the Cook Labor Government's Regional Economic
Development grants
- The
initiative has supported 355 regional projects, driving job and business
opportunities
Regional Development Minister Don Punch
opened the seventh round of the Cook Labor Government's Regional Economic
Development (RED) Grants program today, with a record $10 million funding
available this year to support locally-driven projects in regional Western
Australia.
Funding is available for projects that support jobs, expand or diversify
industry, develop skills, increase business productivity and attract new
investment to the State's nine regions, from the Kimberley to the Great
Southern.
The latest round was opened at Foodey, a small business previously
supported by the RED grants program in the South West. The Bunbury-based business
offers solutions for customers who are time-poor but value taste and nutrition.
With the support of an RED Grant, Foodey has expanded its offerings to
include a ready-made product that meets the needs of a range of customers
including seniors, people with disability or those experiencing illness or
injury.
Since 2018, the Cook Labor Government has committed more than $55
million over ten years towards the RED Grants program, diversifying regional economies
and creating hundreds of new jobs in the regions.
Each of the nine Regional Development
Commissions (RDC) manage the grant round process for their region.
Round seven applications are now open and
close on 26 June 2024. More program information, including guidelines and
application details, is available online.
Comments
attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Cook Government is investing in regional WA with a focus on
sustainable employment, diversifying industry, developing skills and growing
productivity.
"The RED Grants program supports local projects that deliver real
economic impact and create more jobs throughout Western Australia.
"The program has supported 355 approved
projects across the first six rounds, for initiatives such as boosting retail
and commercial operations, industry development and diversification, Aboriginal
industry development and tourism expansion.
"Double the usual funds are available this
round, so I encourage regional businesses and organisations to examine the
funding opportunities on offer through this dedicated regional program."
