- Six Goldfields-Esperance projects to share in more than $1 million Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding
- Cook Government investments support diversification of local businesses and regional job creation in civil construction, manufacturing and disability sectors
Six Goldfields-Esperance projects will share in more than $1 million funding to help build regional business resilience and economic diversity under Round 7 of the Cook Government’s Regional Economic Development Grants program.
The RED Grants program is investing $55.85 million over nine years towards locally-driven projects to stimulate economic growth in the regions.
The announcement was made by Regional Development Minister Don Punch today at DemolitionWA in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, which was one of the successful recipients.
The business will receive a $125,000 grant to achieve Class A Asbestos Removal Licensing to undertake friable asbestos work, a service which is currently outsourced to Perth.
The funding will support the purchase of equipment, ISO compliance and training requirements. The project will allow local removal, increased cost efficiencies, community safety and local service provision.
Also among the Round 7 recipients is Esperance-based business Drake-Brockman Building and Construction, who will use their $250,000 grant for the construction of a new cabinetry and wall framing workshop.
The project will increase access to carpentry services and boost their capacity within the local building and construction industry for major residential developments.
Esperance Smash Repairs secured $145,000 to install a new automotive downdraft spray booth coupled with a compressor and power upgrade. This will lead to workflow improvements and increased repair and service capability. The project is expected to reduce the current two-month wait period and boost productivity by 40 per cent.
A $200,000 grant to Hopetoun Beachside Caravan Park will support the installation of new accessible holiday accommodation, providing modern accommodation for families and enhancing Hopetoun as a tourism destination.
The funding will go towards installing two fully-accessible two-bedroom cabins, with wheelchair appropriate facilities, including a communal deck and barbeque area. These upgrades will allow the caravan park to become the only accessible caravan park in the Ravensthorpe area.
Empowering People in Communities (EPIC) received $240,000 to expand their EpiCafe in Kalgoorlie, which offers practical, hands-on training programs in hospitality for people living with a disability.
Funding will support new equipment and shade sails over the caf seating area. It will create meaningful employment and training and create a supportive learning environment for people living with a disability.
Kalgoorlie-based Hydramech Engineering will acquire a cutting-edge CNC coordinate measuring machine through the support of a $90,000 grant. The project will bring innovation and advanced manufacturing to the region by introducing this automation technology.
Successful projects in Round 7 will diversify the tourism offering in the Goldfields-Esperance region, and support regional job creation and training pathways in the civil construction, manufacturing and disability sectors.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“The Regional Economic Development Grants offer a unique opportunity to diversify our regional economies, and create new jobs and sustainable employment opportunities.
“Since the inception of this program, the WA Labor Government has invested more than $4 million dollars in 28 locally-driven projects in Goldfields-Esperance, helping to build a better region for the local community.
“Congratulations to all of the successful REDs recipients this year – the diverse range of projects reflect the robust, thriving, and innovative work happening across the region.
“With a record $10 million on offer for Round 7 ‘Mega REDs’, we are fostering regional development that is making meaningful change, creating real jobs and diversifying regional economies.”
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
“It is great to see local businesses in the Goldfields-Esperance region receiving funding through this RED Grant round to deliver exciting projects which benefit the region and community.
“This year’s projects will bring new technology, innovation and skills to the region, as well as boost tourism, training and increase productivity.
“The Cook Government is committed to delivering economic benefits through the RED Grants program, which continue to strengthen local businesses and organisations to adapt, develop, grow and diversify to better service regional communities.”
Successful Round 7 RED Grant recipients – Goldfields
Grant Applicant | Project | Grant Amount |
Drake-Brockman Building and Construction Pty Ltd | Cabinetry and Wall Framing Workshop | $ 250,000 |
Empowering People in Communities (EPIC) Inc. | EpiCafe Expansion | $ 240,000 |
Hopetoun Beachside Caravan Park | Accessible and Family Friendly Tourism Accommodation in Hopetoun | $ 200,000 |
Esperance Smash Repairs | Back on the Road Sooner State-of-the-Art Automotive Spray Booth | $145,000 |
Demolition WA Pty Ltd | Class A Asbestos Removal Project | $125,000 |
Hydramech Engineering Pty Ltd | Acquisition of Advanced CMM Machine | $ 90,000 |
