Five Pilbara organisations will receive more than $700,000 for projects that diversify regional economies under round four of the McGowan Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
The RED Grants program is a McGowan Government initiative that is investing $40.8 million over seven years in projects to stimulate diversification and local capability in Western Australian regions.
Round four of the Pilbara RED Grants will deliver $707,000 to five projects that build on the region's strengths in tourism, creative and cultural industries, and business and technological innovation.
Kuarlu Marine Charters will use a $250,000 RED grant to establish a marine charter operation in Onslow with a focus on engaging and training local youth while providing tourism experiences including sightseeing, fishing, whale watching, trips to the Mackerel and Montebello Islands, and cultural tours.
Karratha Earthmoving and Sand Supplies will put its $150,000 grant towards establishing a virtual reality simulator and three training modules that will train future operators in how to use heavy machinery in a safe, simulated environment.
Roebourne-based Weerianna Street Media Pty Ltd will use a $110,000 grant towards establishing IndigiFlix - Australia's first all-Indigenous online subscription-based streaming service for Indigenous films, documentaries, TV series and music events.
Tender Relief will use a $100,000 grant to help build and promote an interactive software product and mobile app that in turn will help Pilbara businesses produce quality tender applications.
The Town of Port Hedland will use a $97,000 grant towards establishing a Business Fibre Zone, in a co-investment model with NBN, that will enhance bandwidth reliability for intensive information technology applications, support local business performance and achieve greater service equity with the Perth metropolitan area.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"RED Grant funding is helping Pilbara communities embrace new, diverse business, job and training opportunities.
"Round four of the Pilbara RED grant program will support a new marine tourism business established in Onslow, and a safe training opportunity for people from across the Pilbara using heavy machinery.
"It will also see an award-winning creative business in Roebourne create a new platform for Indigenous productions, and two other organisations will be assisted to establish projects that will enable small and medium-sized businesses to thrive in the region.
"The McGowan Government is committed to supporting regional local business and creating the diversity of jobs needed to help our regions meet their full potential."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I am extremely proud to see these exciting new Pilbara projects receive the McGowan Government's support.
"These projects will provide new training opportunities for our region's young people, increase opportunities for Indigenous cultural expression, help our small and medium-sized businesses to thrive and enable our tourism industry to grow.
"Once again, the McGowan Government is demonstrating its commitment to Pilbara small businesses and communities."
Successful Round 4 RED Grant recipients - Pilbara
| Grant Applicant | Project Description | Grant Amount |
| Jenkinson Wilson Charters Pty Ltd, trading as Kuarlu Marine Charters Onslow WA | Establish a new marine charter operation in Onslow, through purchase of a 65-foot vessel, which will focus on engaging and training local youth while providing a range of marine tourism experiences. | $250,000 |
| Darryl Corps Family Trust, trading as Karratha Earthmoving and Sand Supplies | Establish Regional Earthmoving Digital Simulators - Virtual Reality (REDS VR), to give trainee operators the look and feel of operating heavy machinery including dozers, graders and excavators in a safe, simulated environment. | $150,000 |
| Weerianna Street Media Pty Ltd | Create IndigiFlix - Australia's first all-Indigenous online subscription-based streaming service for Indigenous films, documentaries, TV series and music events. | $110,000 |
| Woodbines Enterprises Pty Ltd, trading as Tender Relief | Build and market an interactive and educational software product and mobile app to help Pilbara businesses produce quality tender applications. | $100,000 |
| Town of Port Hedland | Establish a Business Fibre Zone (BFZ) at Kingsford Smith Business Park and the Port Hedland International Airport precinct to provide Internet with enhanced reliability of bandwidth to business based in the BFZ. | $97,000 |
