- Six Wheatbelt projects to receive $573,500 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding
- Cook Government investing in tourism, childcare, service, and construction sectors
Six Wheatbelt projects will share in $573,500 funding under Round 6 of the Cook Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
The RED Grants program is investing $50.85 million over nine years, towards locally driven projects to stimulate economic growth and build resilience in the regions.
Successful projects in Round 6 will diversify the agribusiness and tourism offering in the Wheatbelt, increase the availability of industrial land, and support the expansion of childcare and construction services in the Wheatbelt.
Among the Round 6 recipients, Wafex Pty Ltd has been awarded $100,000 to establish a fresh and dry flower processing facility on-farm in the Wheatbelt, allowing flowers to be managed more efficiently, without the risk of dehydration or damage, and diversifying our regional exports.
Currently, all production from Wafex's Harris and Mindarra farms is collected by truck and transported in bulk bins to their main processing facility in West Swan. The funding will also see value-adding through sulphuring and drying of Banksias on-farm.
A $125,000 grant has been provided to the Armstrong Farmlands expansion project in Narrogin, which is set to generate new jobs and diversify the local agri-tourism industry.
The funding will see a further three 'tiny homes' constructed for short-term accommodation, the establishment of a 12-site campground, and enhancement of existing mountain bike and walking trails in the Southern Wheatbelt.
Jurien Bay Panel and Paint will use its $110,000 grant to expand its workshop and to purchase new equipment to meet growing demand.
Once complete, this project is expected to increase regional capacity and job pathways, along with providing an expanded local service to keep more smash repair activity in the local area.
Moora-based Stegosaurus Pty Ltd will use its $48,500 funding to establish a new childcare centre in Moora.
The Magic Cottage Moora will offer places to an additional 25 local children, significantly increasing the town's existing childcare capacity and generating up to 10 new local jobs and local training opportunities, as well as supporting increased workforce participation opportunity for local residents.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The successful Wheatbelt RED Grant applicants demonstrate the growth and diversification of the Wheatbelt region over the past few years.
"Spanning childcare, tourism, agribusiness, construction, and land development, the Wheatbelt RED Grants will enhance local services along with employment and training opportunities.
"These Grants demonstrate the Cook Government's commitment to supporting economic development opportunities in the regions."
Successful Round 6 RED Grant recipients Wheatbelt
Grant Applicant |
Project |
Grant Amount |
A.J Armstrong & J.G Armstrong & M.M Armstrong |
Armstrong Farmlands Agritourism Project |
$125,000 |
Jurien Bay Panel & Paint Pty Ltd |
Jurien Bay Panel and Paint Workshop Upgrades and Expansion |
$110,000 |
Wafex Pty Ltd |
Processing and Packaging Shed |
$100,000 |
Shire of Wandering |
Wandering Industrial Land Development |
$100,000 |
Atrada Group Pty Ltd |
Tradesales Commercial Office Construction Project |
$90,000 |
Stegosaurus Pty Ltd |
New Childcare Centre - Magic Cottage Moora |
$48,500 |
