- New Industry Development Grants program to attract new industries and support existing businesses to diversify, innovate and expand in WA's native forest regions
- $10 million New Industry Development Grants form part of the McGowan Government's $80 million Native Forest Transition Plan
- Up to $2 million in matched funding available for eligible businesses, innovators and organisations
Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis has today announced the $10 million New Industry Development Grants, to attract new industries and support expansion of existing businesses in Western Australia's South-West timber regions.
Businesses, innovators and organisations with planned, investment-ready projects are encouraged to apply for matched funding grants of up to $2 million.
The grants will support unique, innovative and sustainable projects that will create new employment opportunities, protect existing jobs and future-proof WA's regional economies.
The New Industry Development Grants form part of the McGowan Government's $80 million Native Forestry Transition plan to phase out commercial native timber logging by 2024.
The McGowan Government has also invested a record $350 million in new softwood plantations across the South-West, which will create and support WA forestry jobs.
The decision to end native forest logging from 2024 will preserve an additional 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests, and protect WA's native forests for future generations.
The New Industry Development Grants open on 31 May. For more information on how to apply for the New Industry Development Grants visit www.wa.gov.au/nft.
As stated by Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The New Industry Development Grants will attract new and sustainable industries to the regions and allow existing businesses to expand and create jobs to future-proof WA's economy.
"I encourage any business looking to develop in the State's south to consider applying for matched funding through the New Industry Development Grants.
"Since September 2021, the McGowan Government has committed $80 million to support the transition out of native timber logging and protect the State's forests for future generations."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"This is an exciting opportunity for new industries to establish or existing businesses to expand their activities in the Native Forest Timber regions.
"The New Industries Development Grants will add value to our local economies and will contribute to the development of a range of exciting new job opportunities."
