South-West projects to create new jobs and help drive business development have received funding through the McGowan Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
Five projects across the South-West are set to share in $571,826 through Round 2 of the RED grants program.
The McGowan Government has committed $28.8 million over five years towards the highly successful program for projects which directly benefit regional communities.
Geographe Bay Brewing Company will receive $250,000 to upscale its Shelter Brewing brewery, with increased processing capacity and a 500-seat restaurant at the Busselton foreshore. The grant will support the purchase of a brewing system and canning production line to enable the sale of packaged beer from the venue for national and international markets.
Further investment in the region's craft brewing industry will see $150,000 to establish Brugan Brewery as part of the Wokalup Tavern refurbishment. The project will pay homage to the Wokalup Tavern's historical beginning and reference to the Mornington Mill, while encompassing a modern industrial brewery for the Bunbury-Geographe area.
Vasse Valley hemp has been allocated $50,000 to develop the first large-scale commercial hemp seed processing facility in Western Australia, incorporating leading technology for the processing and roasting of hemp seed for food products.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Tourism is a vital economic contributor to the South-West and, through our Regional Economic Development grants, the McGowan Government is building further on our recent success in securing the first ever direct flights into Busselton.
"New hospitality and tourism-based projects will create local jobs and opportunities for the community: brewery projects at Busselton and Wokalup will enhance WA's craft brewing industry, which is worth $100 million to the State and growing rapidly.
"Boosting local manufacturing capability in the hemp industry will also offer more diversified jobs which go a long way to build stronger and more sustainable regional communities."
Minister's office - 6552 6200
| Applicant | Project | Funding |
| Geographe Bay Brewing Company | Shelter Brewing Co - Fast-tracking the expansion of the brewery and 500-seat restaurant at Busselton foreshore with the purchase of new equipment to increase capacity for packaged beer sales. | $250,000 |
| Vasse Valley | Upscaling value-added hemp food production - purchase of industrial-scale seed storage, cleaning, roasting and packaging equipment for the processing of hemp foods. Commercial expansion will create diversification opportunities for WA producers and support upskilling and new workforce training opportunities. | $50,000 |
| Hopbroker Pty Ltd | Brugan Brewing - Enhance the Wokalup Tavern with the addition of the new Brugan brewery. Will include upgrading the tavern façade to highlight the heritage of the 1906 building and relocation of the bottle shop to address road safety concerns. The project will also trial a new hop production method. | $150,000 |
| Southern Forests Blackwood Valley Tourism Association | Southern Forests Blackwood Valley Tourism Industry Development project - Funding to support a range of brand, marketing and infrastructure activities. Consistent and unified marketing approach for the region will lead to increased visitation and tourism experience and spending. | $74,945 |
| Shire of Nannup | Nannup Trails Town Infrastructure - Installation of trail user facilities at Foreshore Park to support Nannup to become an accredited Trails Town, catering for cycling, walking, canoeing and horse-riding. Project includes a multipurpose wash-down bay and bike maintenance equipment, directional signage and construction of a path from town to mountain bike trails. | $46,881 |
