Five Mid-West projects that create local jobs, support skills development and boost local tourism will share in $724,117 grant funding under round four of the McGowan Government’s Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants.
The RED Grants program is a McGowan State Government initiative investing $40.8 million over seven years in locally-driven projects to stimulate economic growth in the regions.
Fenix Newhaul will receive $250,000 to establish a world-leading truck driving simulator in the region, building the road train driver learning experience at its Kickstart Driver Training Academy.
Unlike anything else in Australia, the technology will reduce the timeframe for learners to become competent and significantly reduce health and safety risks on the road.
The Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation will receive $216,366 to conduct tours out of Cue to Walga Rock and the Wilgie Mia Ochre Mine in a major boost for local cultural tourism.
The project will support development of a stand-alone Aboriginal owned and managed business and provide employment, training and skills development opportunities for local Aboriginal people.
A $146,700 grant will support Nufab Industries to manufacture custom parts for market-leading farm machinery, with the purchase of a Computer Numerical Control High-Definition Plasma Cutting machine.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“RED Grant funding is helping regional communities embrace new and exciting business, job and training opportunities.
“With Fenix Newhaul, we will be supporting a world-class truck driver training experience in the region, helping to deliver the training and skills needed to keep our regional economy moving.
“Our RED Grants will help to develop new tourism businesses and opportunities in the Mid-West hinterland, building on the region’s rich Aboriginal and pastoral heritage.
“These projects will help to diversify businesses, helping to build stronger local economies and boosting local job opportunities.”
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
“It’s so good to see the McGowan Labor Government supporting regional business and enterprise.
“These grants are supporting a diverse range of projects including transport and logistics, local manufacturing, tourism and cultural experiences.
“I am excited to see these projects get off the ground and I thank Minister MacTiernan and the Mid West Development Commission for their support of local business.”
Successful Round 4 RED Grant recipients – Mid-West
| Grant Applicant | Project Description | Grant Amount |
| Fenix Newhaul Pty Ltd | World-leading simulator technology to enhance the road train driver learning experience. | $250,000 |
| Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation | To conduct tours from Cue to Walga Rock and the Wilgie Mia Ochre Mine. The project will support the development of a stand-alone Aboriginal owned and managed business which will provide employment, training and skills development for local Aboriginal people, initially employing one part-time tour manager and up to four part-time trainees as required. | $216,366 |
| Nufab Industries Pty Ltd | Computer Numeric Control High-Definition Plasma Cutting machine for precision cutting of high-grade thick metal plates to make custom parts used in the manufacturing of market-leading farming machinery. | $146,700 |
| Rainstar Holdings Pty Ltd T/A Wooleen Station | Relocate and refurbish 100-year-old shearer’s shed kitchen and transform it into the Wooleen Station Visitors Building to include a merchandise outlet, hospitality service, interpretive space, art gallery and meeting room. | $100,000 |
| New Leaf Connect | Customised trailer and fit out to enhance the customer experience while on tours, custom trips and experiences in the Mid-West and to allow additional storage space for private transport jobs. | $11,051 |
