Six more Wheatbelt projects benefit from $573,500 in RED grants

Six projects in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt district will share in $573,500 of 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. The projects will diversify the agribusiness and tourism offering in the Wheatbelt, increase the availability of industrial land, and support the expansion of childcare (sic.) and construction services in the Wheatbelt.

Moora-based Stegosaurus Pty Ltd will use its $48,500 funding to establish a new early childhood education and care (ECEC) service in Moora.

The Magic Cottage Moora will offer places to an additional 25 local children, significantly increasing the town’s existing ECEC capacity and generating up to 10 new local jobs and local training opportunities, as well as supporting increased workforce participation opportunity for local residents.

Other successful recipients include Wafex Pty Ltd, who have been awarded $100,000 to establish a fresh and dry flower processing facility on-farm in the Wheatbelt, a $125,000 grant to the Armstrong Farmlands expansion project in Narrogin, which is set to generate new jobs and diversify the local agri-tourism industry, and Jurien Bay Panel and Paint, which will use its $110,000 grant to expand its workshop and to purchase new equipment to meet growing demand.

“The successful Wheatbelt RED Grant applicants demonstrate the growth and diversification of the Wheatbelt region over the past few years,” said WA Regional Development Minister Don Punch. 

“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.”