- The Collie Futures Small Grants Program gives three local projects funding boost
- Recipients to share in almost $280,000, including the Colliecrete demonstration project
- Part of the Cook Government's commitment to Collie's future by supporting job-creating projects which boost the economy
A new type of concrete incorporating Collie fly ash will take the next step towards commercialisation, with support from the Cook Government's Collie Futures Small Grants Program.
Regional Development Minister Don Punch has announced today that Murdoch University will receive $100,000 towards demonstrating a low carbon product called Colliecrete at the Bunbury Outer Ring Road.
The demonstration project follows an investigation into the feasibility of using coal power station ash waste, industrial by-products and waste materials as ingredients in geopolymer concrete.
Local jobs will be created when Colliecrete, which has Suvo Strategic Minerals as a commercialisation partner, pours for footpaths and kerbing on Discovery Road. Construction workers from Koormal Contracting and Indigenous Workabout will be involved.
The Cook Government has also committed $100,000 to Partners in Safety and $77,409 to Collie Chiropractic from the Collie Futures Small Grants Program, as part of its commitment to develop a bright future for Collie by supporting local business sector growth.
Partners in Safety will use the grant towards a new retail shop, stocking a range of safety certified products. Collie Chiropractic will use the grant to expand their practice through the development of an additional chiropractic room and pilates studio.
Grant recipients were announced at the upgraded and expanded Collie Ridge Resort. Resort upgrades were supported by a $589,825 grant from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund.
Both the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund and Collie Futures Small Grants Program are part of the wider Collie Futures Fund, aimed at diversifying the region's economy and creating local jobs.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"It is great seeing the level of innovation and new business development taking place in Collie, with support from the Cook Government.
"We have been proudly supporting Colliecrete on its journey from feasibility to demonstration.
"I look forward to seeing Colliecrete and the other grant recipients move forward with their plans, as our Government continues to deliver on its commitment to provide Collie with a Just Transition."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"I am proud of the way the Cook Government is supporting so many local initiatives to take the next steps.
"It's exciting to see the diversity of new businesses and industries emerging and creating jobs in Collie it's all part of the bright future that's developing.
"I encourage anyone with local business plans to take advantage of the funding on offer through the Collie Futures Small Grants Program."
