- Native forest region businesses will share in $9,541,300 of funding
- New Industry Development Grants (NIDG) awarded to 11 businesses
- Grants part of the WA Government’s Native Forest Transition
As part of the Cook Government’s Native Forest Transition Plan, 11 South West businesses will share in almost $10 million in funding to continue to drive economic diversification and jobs in the region.
The New Industry Development Grants (NIDG) aim to attract new industries and support the expansion of businesses in timber communities.
Bendotti Exporters, which trades under the WA Chip brand, will receive almost $2 million in funding.
This will allow the Manjimup-based company to upgrade its potato processing line, increase production and offer new full-time employment opportunities.
WA Chip supplies premium French fries to cafes, restaurants and pubs across Western Australia, processing up to 20,000 tonnes of locally grown potatoes every year.
Other projects include the development of a new industrial floor resin industry in Northcliffe and Pemberton, a three million seedling nursery and mechanised planting unit in Albany as well as the establishment of a 50-seat Indigenous-themed restaurant in Nannup.
The Cook Government is committed to the $80 million Native Forest Transition Plan which includes significant industry restructure payments and grant support to dependent industries and communities.
For more information on the New Industry Development Grants visit:
As stated by Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“The historic decision to end commercial logging means almost two million hectares of native forests will be protected for future generations.
“The New Industry Development Grants are just another way the Cook Government is continuing its commitment to timber communities.
“This is a new era for our South West and these significant grants will help support diversification, business growth and the creation of new jobs in the region.”
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
“I’m proud to be part of a Government that is investing in new industries in our community.
“From tourism to agriculture, these grants will help support local jobs and lay the foundations for a more sustainable future.”
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
“It’s exciting to see the expansion of Blue Sky Renewables’ operations in Albany being supported by the Cook Government.
“This investment will see more local jobs in our community.”
New Industry Development Grant Recipients
Company name | Grant received | Location |
Blue Sky Renewables Pty Ltd to develop a new three million seedling nursery and purchase of a mechanised planting unit. | $2,000,000 | Albany (Willyung) |
Bendotti Exporters Pty Ltd to support upgrading of the company’s potato processing line, water and potato storage to increase production capacity and reduce operational costs and energy consumption. | $1,783,549 | Manjimup |
Coldahold Cold Storage Pty Ltd to construct additional cool storage capacity, advanced cooling, drying systems, warehousing and grading for seed potatoes in Manjimup. | $1,027,000 | Manjimup |
Floor Co Pty Ltd to develop a new industrial resin flooring industry. | $614,571 | Northcliffe/Pemberton |
Newton Orchards Farming Pty Ltd to produce new cherry varieties and increase production volume to meet domestic and international demand. | $369,946 | Manjimup |
Whispering Woods Pemberton Pty Ltd trading as Pemberton Honey Co to develop a new processing and tourism/retail facility. | $572,037 | Pemberton |
Peninsula Downs Pty Ltdto establish a state-of-the-art dairy farm with self-sustaining grain and fodder production, a free stall barn, and a bio digester. | $2,000,000 | Warner Glen (Shire of Augusta-Margaret River) |
Big Wood Enterprises Pty Ltd, trading as Southern Forests Chocolate Company Pty Ltd, to purchase new chocolate making equipment to produce in-house couverture chocolate. | $201,697 | Shire of Manjimup |
Bio Natural MJP Pty Ltd to construct a suitably sized secure production facility and provide power for the distillation of harvested Manuka leaf matter. | $444,000 | Manjimup |
Willarra Gold Pty Ltd to increase production of canned soda and cordials using seconds grade passionfruit and other fruit from growers in the Manjimup region. | $110,000 | Manjimup |
Tugela Investments Pty Ltd to support the establishment of a 50-seat Indigenous-themed restaurant and car park within the cultural, heritage and tourism precinct in the town site of Nannup. | $418,500 | Nannup |
