Over $1 million for the Great Southern in super round of REDS
Regional Development Minister Don Punch recently announced the nine successful Great Southern recipients of Round 7 of the Western Australian Government’s Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
More than $55 million is being injected into WA regions over ten years through RED Grants for local projects that stimulate economic growth and development in regional Western Australia.
Through the previous six rounds of RED Grants, nearly $3.8 million was approved to support 40 projects in the Great Southern. Round 7 saw a total of 31 applications from across sectors including agribusiness, childcare, tourism, hospitality, accommodation and workforce development.
Nine Great Southern projects shared $1,130,800 from a record $10 million available across the nine commissions throughout the state.
Triple B Vet Pty Ltd – Mt Barker Equine Medical Centre
A $225,000 grant has been awarded to Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital for the construction of a purpose built equine medical and surgery facility. The first of its kind in the Great Southern, this expansion will provide a new equine surgery and advanced medical care services.
(above photo: Hon. Don Punch MLA, Theresa and James Brown, Rebecca Stevens MLA)
Rockcliffe Winery Pty Ltd – Project Innovate: to produce premium, low-alcohol wine
The purchase and installation of innovation technology “Spinning Cone Column” (SCC) at Rockcliffe Winery will aid in producing premium low and non-alcoholic wines. The SCC enhances the aroma, flavour and sensory profile of wine, while selectively removing ethanol to dealcoholise the beverage. This project was awarded a $225,000 grant.
(above photo: Rebecca Stevens MLA, Hon. Don Punch MLA, Dr Steven Hall)
Stephens Ag Pty Ltd (trading as Total Ag Centre) – Total Ag Centre Machinery Dealership Expansion to enhance services in the Great Southern region
$150,000 was awarded to Total Ag Centre in Katanning to help grow their dealership footprint through extended floorspace, a purpose-built workshop, and new office space providing better service to customers purchasing small agriculture tractors and machinery sales in the upper Great Southern.
(above photo: Rebecca Stevens MLA, Hon. Don Punch MLA, Damien Stephens)
GNP 360 Cooperative Ltd – Gnowangerup Hotel Renovation
Gnowangerup Hotel will grow accommodation availability for workers and visitors through the renovation of six existing units and installation of two additional transportable units with the support of a $150,000 grant.
(above photo: Rebecca Stevens MLA, Hon. Don Punch MLA, Richard House)
Mrs Jones Cafe Pty Ltd – Old Butter Factory Expansion
Boosting regional tourism and strengthening demand for local goods and services at the Old Butter Factory in Denmark, Mrs Jones Cafe will modernise and expand their kitchen and dining facilities with the support of a $130,000 RED grant.
(above photo: Sam Jackson, Justine Curwen, Rebecca Stevens MLA, Hon. Don Punch MLA)
Tambal Solutions Pty Ltd – Tambal Training & Labour Hire
A grader operator training program delivered by Tambal Solutions, will be offered in the region to enhance local skills and capability with the support of a $93,900 grant. This project will expand the region’s civil, earthworks and mining sector by upskilling and training a minimum of 16 Aboriginal and disadvantaged candidates as skilled grader operators.
(above photo: Samantha Williams, Rebecca Stevens MLA, Hon. Don Punch MLA, Penny Williams)
Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation – Heritage Services Training Program
$76,900 was awarded to Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation to accelerate the training, employment and deployment of a Noongar Heritage Services workforce in the Great Southern region. This grant will provide six days field training for up to 40 participants resulting in an enhanced cultural heritage management and preservation throughout the region.
(above photo: Rebecca Stevens MLA, Hon. Don Punch MLA, Jeanice Krakoeur)
Allosaurus Pty Ltd – Bayonet Head Early Learning Centre
To support the opening of the Bayonet Head Early Learning Centre, a $40,000 RED grant was awarded to Allosaurus Pty Ltd, creating an additional 70 additional childcare places, 30 new Albany jobs, and benefitting over 100 families.
(above photo: Jane Douglas, Rebecca Stevens MLA, Hon. Don Punch MLA)
The Village Childcare – Expanding Long Day Care
The Village Childcare Services will receive $40,000 to assist in a fit for purpose refurbishment of St. Joseph’s College in Albany, expanding their current services to offer After School Care and Vacation Care. This expansion will offer 30-35 long day care places for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years and create 11 jobs and three traineeship positions.
(above photo: David Mizzi, Preity Dhaliwal, Rebecca Stevens MLA, Hon. Don Punch MLA)
The RED Grant Program is a State Government initiative administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and delivered locally by the Great Southern Development Commission.
Read the full ministerial media release
Find out more about RED Grants.
