- Six Wheatbelt
projects to receive $573,500 Regional
Economic Development (RED) Grant funding
- Cook Government investing in tourism,
childcare, service, and construction sectors
Six Wheatbelt projects will share in $573,500 funding under Round 6 of the Cook
Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
The RED Grants program is investing $50.85 million over nine years,
towards locally driven projects to stimulate economic growth and build
resilience in the regions.
Successful projects in Round
6 will diversify the agribusiness and tourism offering in the Wheatbelt,
increase the availability of industrial land, and support the expansion of
childcare and construction services in the Wheatbelt.
Among the Round 6 recipients, Wafex Pty Ltd has been awarded $100,000 to
establish a fresh and dry flower processing facility on-farm in the Wheatbelt, allowing
flowers to be managed more efficiently, without the risk of dehydration or
damage, and diversifying our regional exports.
Currently, all production from Wafex's Harris and Mindarra farms is
collected by truck and transported in bulk bins to their main processing
facility in West Swan. The funding will also see value-adding through
sulphuring and drying of Banksias on-farm.
A $125,000 grant has been provided to the Armstrong Farmlands expansion
project in Narrogin, which is set to generate new jobs and diversify the local
agri-tourism industry.
The funding will see a further three 'tiny homes' constructed for
short-term accommodation, the establishment of a 12-site campground, and
enhancement of existing mountain bike and walking trails in the Southern
Wheatbelt.
Jurien Bay Panel and Paint will use its $110,000 grant to expand its
workshop and to purchase new equipment to meet growing demand.
Once complete, this project is expected to increase regional capacity
and job pathways, along with providing an expanded local service to keep more
smash repair activity in the local area.
Moora-based Stegosaurus Pty Ltd will use its $48,500 funding to
establish a new childcare centre in
Moora.
The Magic Cottage Moora will offer places to an
additional 25 local children, significantly increasing the town's existing
childcare capacity and generating up to 10 new local jobs and local training
opportunities, as well as supporting increased workforce participation
opportunity for local residents.
Comments attributed to Regional Development
Minister Don Punch:
"The successful Wheatbelt
RED Grant applicants demonstrate the growth and diversification of the
Wheatbelt region over the past few years.
"Spanning childcare,
tourism, agribusiness, construction, and land development, the Wheatbelt RED
Grants will enhance local services along with employment and training
opportunities.
"These Grants demonstrate
the Cook Government's commitment to supporting economic development
opportunities in the regions."
Successful Round 6 RED Grant recipients – Wheatbelt
