Wheatbelt businesses will share in $523,086 to strengthen and diversify local economies under round five of the McGowan Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants.
The McGowan Government's RED grants program will invest $45.8 million over eight years in local projects across Western Australia's regions to drive economic development and support regional communities.
Successful projects in Round 5 of the RED grants will diversify the agricultural sector and support the growth of the emerging hydrogen industry in the Wheatbelt.
Barhyd Pty Ltd from Badgingarra will use their $100,000 grant to expand their heavy machinery servicing business to provide increased locally based capabilities to the agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and eucalyptus oil distilling industries throughout the Wheatbelt
Koorian Farming Enterprises Pty Ltd will receive $100,000 for their Horticulture Improvement Project at Ginginup for construction of a new packing shed and a cold storage facility to increase their local market share and export market potential of olives, pomegranates and figs.
Infinite Green Energy Limited will receive $100,000 to a new hydrogen refuelling station and showroom for hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles in Northam to showcase the company's innovative strategy to decarbonise the economy to local and international visitors.
Northbound Trading Pty Ltd will use their $100,000 grant to develop a container-based export facility in Dowerin supporting a more direct export pathway for locally grown lupins.
Merre Granola will use their $20,663 for new equipment that will increase their production capacity in Merredin for breakfast granola utilising 100 per cent farmer direct WA ingredients to new local and international markets.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The Wheatbelt RED grant program continues to provide opportunities for businesses to scale up and diversify.
"This round is a great mix of engineering, agricultural value-add and hospitality projects with a nod to the emerging new hydrogen opportunities."
As stated by Agriculture Region MLC Darren West:
"Congratulations to all of the successful recipients with their innovative concepts that are strengthening and diversifying our Wheatbelt economy.
"This McGowan Government investment will help to create new opportunities for Wheatbelt businesses and jobs within the local economy."
Successful Round 5 RED Grant recipients - Wheatbelt
| Grant applicant | Project description | Grant amount |
| Barhyd Pty Ltd | Project Expand: Optimising Heavy Machinery Servicing for Wheatbelt Industries | $100,000 |
| Infinite Green Energy Limited | Hydrogen Refuelling Station | $100,000 |
| Koorian Farming Enterprises Pty Ltd | Horticulture Improvement Project | $100,000 |
| Northbound Trading Pty Ltd | Wheatbelt Lupin Exports - Farm to Port | $100,000 |
| Australian Wool Innovation | Regional WA Manufacture of Modular Shearing Race Delivery Units | $45,000 |
| Bettongia Pty Ltd | Santaleuca Sandalwood Nut Production Expansion | $42,423 |
| Merre Granola | Merre Granola Increase Capacity for New Local and International Markets | $20,663 |
| 14K Brewery | Mobile Coolroom | $15,000 |
