RED Grants Support Diversification And Jobs In Gascoyne

• Ten Gascoyne projects to share in $1.2 million Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding
• Cook Government investments support regional job creation in childcare, tourism, health, arts, energy and industrial sectors

Ten Gascoyne projects will share in $1.2 million funding to help build regional business resilience and economic diversity under Round 7 of the Cook Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.

Through the RED Grants program, the Cook Government is investing $55.85 million over nine years toward locally-driven projects to stimulate economic growth in the regions.

The announcement was made by Premier Roger Cook and Regional Development Minister Don Punch in Exmouth today, alongside the successful Gascoyne recipients.

A $217,350 grant will support the support the construction of the Exmouth Early Learning Centre, replacing the only existing childcare centre in Exmouth, which is closing at the end of this year.

The grant will fund construction and fit out of two new rooms at the Centre, creating 17 additional childcare places and bringing the total number of places to 59 once the project is completed in 2025.

The facility will also support a new out-of-school hours service and create two apprenticeship positions for the community.

Also among the Round 7 recipients is Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventure Tours, which was awarded $212,722 to develop worker accommodation to grow cultural tourism in Shark Bay.

The grant will fund construction of two new dwellings to house up to eight workers, creating five new jobs and training and development opportunities for the local indigenous community.

Two Gascoyne pastoral businesses have also been awarded $181,000 each to expand agri-tourism offerings in the region.

Wooramel Pastoral Company and Warroora Station have both received funding to grow their outback station stay experiences, build new hospitality services and accommodate large events.

Coral Coast Dental will use their $159,000 grant to expand their services in Carnarvon and attract two new dentists. The town currently has limited dental services, with most residents needing to travel to Geraldton or Perth for urgent dental care.

Successful projects in Round 7 will diversify the agribusiness and tourism offering in the Gascoyne, and support regional job creation in childcare, health, arts, energy and industrial sectors.

As stated by Premier Roger Cook:

"The Regional Economic Development Grants offer a unique opportunity to diversify our regional economies and create new jobs and sustainable employment opportunities.

"Since the inception of this program, the WA Labor Government has invested almost $4 million dollars in 35 locally-driven projects in the Gascoyne, helping to build a better region for the local community."

As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

"Congratulations to all the successful REDs recipients this year; the diverse range of Gascoyne projects reflect the robust, thriving, and innovative work happening across the region.

"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."

Successful Round 7 RED Grant recipients - Gascoyne