- Seven Pilbara projects to share in almost $1.1 million Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding
- Cook Government investing in Indigenous economic development, tourism, hospitality and native seed production in the region
Seven Pilbara projects will share in almost $1.1million funding, which will help build regional business resilience and diversify the economy under Round 7 of the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
The RED Grants program is a Cook Government initiative investing $55.85 million over ten years towards locally-driven projects, which stimulate economic growth in the regions.
The announcement was made by Regional Development Minister Don Punch at Lo's Caf and Dining in Karratha, which was one of the successful Pilbara recipients.
The cafe will use the $110,000 RED Grant to expand facilities and purchase new equipment, enabling it to address a significant gap in the local hospitality market, create entry-level jobs and offer training opportunities in partnership with two local Aboriginal corporations.
Also among the group of Round 7 recipients is Roebourne-based Ngarliyarndu Bindirri Aboriginal Corporation, which has been awarded $191,708 for the development of several social innovation programs for Aboriginal youth aged 16 to 18 years.
These work-ready programs are designed and directed by local Aboriginal people and Elders to provide employment pathways for young indigenous people in the community.
A $125,000 grant was awarded to Pardoo Beef Corporation Pty Ltd to transform its station lodging facilities into a high-end multi-purpose accommodation and fine dining establishment, supporting the economic diversification of the region and fostering industry expansion.
Indigenous-owned business Karratha Signs has been awarded $250,000 to enable the expansion of its workshop, which is located at Karratha Industrial Estate. The project will enhance productivity, enlarge its workspace and increase storage.
Martuku Watkamutiku Pty Ltd will use their $150,000 grant to acquire and install an office at their Wedgefield premises, supporting the aboriginal-owned business to provide employment and training opportunities to Martu people.
A local environmental business, Pilbara Ecological, will utilise its $78,455 funding for the purchase of specialist equipment and installation of a cool room, assisting in the production and storage of native seeds. The project is supporting the large-scale demand for land restoration in the region.
A $165,361 RED Grant was allocated to a local dive business, Pilbara Dive and Tours, to enable the purchase of a vessel to expand its dive tour experiences and create new employment opportunities within the community.
This project encourages sustainable jobs and will allow tourists to experience the spectacular coral reefs and marine life in the waters of the Dampier Archipelago, which is the most bio-diverse part of the Western Australian marine environment.
Successful projects in Round 7 will diversify the Pilbara economy andAboriginal economic developmentand support regional job creation in thetourism, hospitality and land restorationsectors.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch MLA:
"I'm delighted to announce the latest RED Grants, reflecting our commitment to Pilbara's economic diversity and job creation.
"Since the inception of this program, the WA Labor Government has invested more than $5.5 million across 49 locally-driven projects in the Pilbara, helping to build a better region for the local community.
"With a record $10 million on offer for Round 7 'Mega REDs', we are fostering regional development that is making meaningful change, creating real jobs and diversifying regional economies."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"These grants represent a significant step forward for the Pilbara and I am proud to see the positive impact they will have on our region.
"Congratulationsto all the successful Round 7 RED grant recipients this year. The diverse range of projects reflects the impactful work happening across the region.
"All initiatives reflect the Cook Government's commitment to improving lives and fostering growth in our Pilbara region."
