- Three Goldfields-Esperance projects to receive $555,000 Regional Economic Development Grant funding
- Cook Government investing in local construction and manufacturing businesses, and Aboriginal workforce development in the region
Three Goldfields-Esperance projects will share in $555,000 funding under Round 6 of the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
The RED Grants program is a Cook Government initiative investing $50.85 million over nine years towards locally driven projects that build regional business resilience and diversify the economy.
Northern Goldfields’ business Kai Rho Contracting will use their $235,000 grant to purchase a dual cab grader to be utilised for civil projects, and the training of new grader operators to meet growing road network needs in the region.
The project will create new jobs, build the skills and experience of a locally based workforce, as well as encourage Aboriginal skills development and procurement opportunities.
Bedford Harbour Engineering Pty Ltd have been awarded $235,000 to purchase and install overhead cranes at their new facility located in Shark Lake Industrial Park near Esperance.
This will enable the local manufacturing of a wider range of agricultural equipment and products including larger silos, to be sourced locally, while also supplying the rest of the Western Australian market.
MAS Equipment Pty Ltd will use their $85,000 grant to purchase a collaborative robot welding assistant known as a ‘cobot’, to perform maintenance and repair tasks at their Kalgoorlie-Boulder workshop.
This automation technology will place the Goldfields at the forefront of new industry and new economy jobs. It will bring innovation to the Goldfields and increase capacity to service industries locally and increase overall productivity.
Successful projects in Round 6 will diversify local manufacturing and construction sectors, and enhance the region’s capacity to offer more Aboriginal workforce development opportunities.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“This year’s RED Grants program will fund local projects bringing new technology, innovation, and skills to the region, as well as supporting industry-based training and increased productivity.
“The funding will be used to purchase new manufacturing equipment that will deliver new jobs, new products, industry diversification, and skills development.
“The RED Grants continue to support local businesses and organisations to adapt, develop, grow and diversity to better service regional communities”.
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
“I’m thrilled to see the diversity of fantastic projects receiving REDs funding this year and I look forward to seeing them prosper and grow into the future.
“By supporting these local initiatives, the Cook Government is demonstrating its commitment and support to diversifying small businesses and enterprises in the region.”
Successful Round 6 RED Grant recipients – Goldfields-Esperance
Grant Applicant | Project | Grant Amount |
Hamlet Resources Pty Ltd trading as Kai Rho Contracting | Real Time Training | $235,000 |
Bedford Harbour Engineering Pty Ltd | Project Gantry – enabling the manufacture of silos and other equipment in the region. | $235,000 |
MAS Equipment Pty Ltd | Cobot: Leading the way in regional automation | $85,000 |
