A McGowan Government investment of $549,181 in South-West projects is set to unlock major growth opportunities in the latest round of the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants.
The RED Grants program is a McGowan Government initiative investing $40.8 million over seven years in locally-driven projects to stimulate economic development and create jobs in regional Western Australia.
In Round 4, a total of five South-West businesses and organisations across diverse industry sectors will receive the boost needed to take their operations to the next level through the latest round of funding.
Margaret River Free Range Eggs has been allocated $150,000 towards the construction of an advanced climatically controlled egg processing plant – the first commercial egg processing facility in the region and WA’s only free-range and organic focused facility.
Start-up hemp-lime block manufacturer Hemp Squared will receive $100,000 to commercialise operations through the construction of a new facility and purchase of specialist equipment after investing in research and development and conducting trials.
Hidden River Estate will scale-up propagation of potted strawberry plugs for distribution to growers through new infrastructure purchased with assistance from a $100,000 grant, creating a niche industry.
Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association will benefit from $100,000 to increase capacity and enhance the visitor experience at Eagles Heritage, working with the Undalup Association.
The grant will support the development of an audio-enabled discovery tour at the raptor wildlife centre as told through the perspective of traditional custodians and experts in raptor care and rehabilitation.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Through the RED Grants, we’re backing the aspirations of local business and organisations – stimulating industry growth and local jobs right across regional Western Australia.
“Our latest round of REDs builds on the South-West’s natural strengths in tourism, agriculture and manufacturing, helping local plans get off the ground and providing new opportunities for local business.
“REDs has been a great economic driver, providing the financial fuel for these grant recipients to go forward with their plans while diversifying industry and driving growth.”
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
“RED Grants continue to make a significant positive impact across local industries in Warren-Blackwood.
“It’s fantastic to be able to support such diverse industries through the RED Grants scheme.”
Round 4 RED Grant recipients – South-West
| Grant Applicant | Project Description | Grant Amount |
| Margaret River Free Range Eggs | Advanced Climatically Controlled Egg Processing Plant: Funding will support the construction of an advanced climatically controlled egg processing facility near Margaret River. | $150,000 |
| Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association | Eagles Heritage Capacity and Experience Enhancement Project: The visitor experience at this raptor wildlife centre near Margaret River will be enhanced through cultural tourism with an audio discovery tour along with a built structure in the form of an audio visual nocturnal bird of prey experience. | $100,000 |
| Hemp Squared | Hemp Squared Manufacturing Expansion Project: Funding will support this start-up to commercialise through construction of a new shed, pneumatic block presses and ancillary equipment. | $100,000 |
| Hidden River Estate | South West Strawberry Propagation Project: The funding will support Hidden River Estate to significantly scale-up propagation of potted strawberry seedlings (plugs) grown for distribution to WA growers, establishing a one-of-a-kind niche commercial-scale industry in the South-West. | $100,000 |
| RCR Mining Technologies | Apron Feeder Components Robotic Welder: Funding will support the purchase and installation of a robotic welder to automate production of an RCR product, maximising output and building capacity in advanced manufacturing. | $99,181 |
