- $361,878 awarded to Aboriginal businesses to become preferred native seed suppliers to the land management and carbon farming sector
- Eight successful applicants will utilise the grants to build capacity and lay the groundwork for business growth and jobs creation
- McGowan Government committing to enabling Aboriginal business to achieve their potential
The McGowan Government is cultivating opportunities for Aboriginal organisations to participate in the growing land restoration sector, awarding more than $360,000 in Native Seeds and Nursery Development grants in Albany today.
Eight successful applicants will share in $361,878 to help build capacity and lay the groundwork for business growth and jobs creation.
Great Southern, Esperance and Northam grant recipients were on hand for the announcement, with successful applications also from Mandurah and Katanning.
The Southern Aboriginal Corporation will use its grant to train staff in seed collection and business planning, while the Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation will direct its funds to develop establishment and operational plans.
The Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation and Noongar Land Enterprises's grants will be used for staff training and developing a business strategy while the Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation will invest in strategic planning governance and business training.
Aboriginal enterprises have a connection to country and generations of experience in sustainable land management and are well placed to satisfy the increasing demand for native seeds and plants for the burgeoning carbon land restoration sectors.
The grants program was initiated after the State Government's successful Native Seed and Nursery Industry Forum last year.
The grants are part of the Western Australian Government's Building Better Aboriginal Businesses program, helping create strong and sustainable enterprises with enduring benefits for the community and regions.
A full list of Native Seeds and Nursery Development grants can be found at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/aboriginal-economic-development
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Native Seeds and Nursery Development grants will help recipients to build strong businesses and become a preferred supplier to the land regeneration and carbon farming sector.
"Aboriginal enterprises are uniquely positioned to participate in this industry, marrying ancient land management practices with insights into how to conserve the ecological health of our land.
"This program reflects our Government's commitment to supporting regional Aboriginal businesses to achieve their potential and create flow-on social, economic and environmental benefits to the regions."
Native Seeds and Nursery Development grant recipients:
| Grant Recipient | Project | Grant |
| Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (RNTBC) | Staff training and developing a native seed business strategy. | $49,700.00 |
| Winjan Aboriginal Corporation | Develop feasibility study and business planning. | $45,500.00 |
| Southern Aboriginal Corporation | Staff training in seed collection and business planning. | $42,798.00 |
| Mudjar Aboriginal Corporation | Staff training and update and expand strategic plan. | $44,682.00 |
| Noongar Land Enterprise Group | Staff training for workforce development. | $49,000.00 |
| Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation | Develop detailed establishment and operational plans. | $50,000.00 |
| As One Nyitting Limited | Undertake a feasibility study to inform a strategic plan. | $40,800.00 |
| Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation | Strategic planning, governance and business training. | $39,398.00 |
