An artisan malthouse, native tree nursery and community supermarket are three of five projects set to benefit from $795,000 of State Government funds in the latest round of the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants.
Focused on strengthening local regional economies, the grants will invest $40.8 million over seven years to fund locally-driven projects that will provide considerable growth to Wheatbelt jobs, businesses and emerging industries.
Prefabricated modular home builder Evoke Living Homes will receive $200,000 in funding for the construction of a new purpose-built undercover manufacturing facility in Northam, allowing the business to manufacture homes in all weather conditions and boost regional housing stock.
A $105,000 grant will assist the Shire of Bruce Rock with the rebuild of the town’s supermarket, providing a crucial boost to the local economy after the original was destroyed by fire.
Agricultural research, development and consulting company Living Farm will receive $200,000 towards establishing a new head office and operations centre in York, allowing the business to expand and continue to provide ongoing economic benefits to the region.
Noongar Land Enterprise’s Boola Boornap tree nursery will receive $100,000 to contribute to facility upgrades, enabling the increase in production of native tree seedlings and accreditation for direct sales to the public.
Whinbin Rock Farms will use a $190,000 grant to establish bespoke malting facility, diversifying the local economy and creating high value returns for Western Australian grain growers.
Wheatbelt Development Commission Chief Executive Officer Rob Cossart said the diversity of the projects promised to bring exciting benefits to the region.
“We were really impressed by the calibre of the applications we received for this round, many of which come from emerging industries.
“The successful projects will create jobs, foster emerging industries, attract new investment to the Wheatbelt and will provide long lasting economic benefits to our local communities.”
To learn more about the WDC RED Grants, visit the Regional Economic Development Grants page.
