The $40.8 million McGowan Government’s Regional Economic Development (RED) grants are helping to stimulate business growth, and develop economic diversity and new skills in the Kimberley region.
Seven projects will share in $773,000 in Round 4 grants, to support business creation and diversification, job creation and training in the region.
One of the recipients from this round, Marine Biomedical Pty Ltd, will use a $200,000 grant to establish a laboratory facility to enable the production of PearlBone for use in the biomedical industry, including synthetic human bones.
The biotech company’s collaboration with researchers from the University of Western Australia and Broome pearling business Willie Creek Pearls will give the Kimberley pearling industry an opportunity to harvest mother-of-pearl and turn it into a sustainable new product.
Lakeside Minerals Livestock Pty Ltd intends to use its $150,000 grant to establish a processing plant to supply North West pastoralists with locally produced stock supplements, reducing product and freight costs for industry across the region.
Frillnecks Enterprises Pty Ltd will utilise its $170,000 funding to expand an existing day care facility in Derby, including establishing two new buildings, a playground and deck with shade sail, security and perimeter fencing and safety features.
Indigenous-owned MGC Building and Maintenance Pty Ltd will direct its $85,000 grant towards the purchase of a soil compactor (roller) machine to improve its training and construction service delivery capability.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Now is the time for us to be investing in the future of our regions. RED grant funding is helping regional communities move forward from the challenges presented in 2021 onto new and unique business, job and training opportunities.
“The Kimberley region is home to a wide range of industries; including aquaculture, pastoralism and community services, and the seven projects funded through this round of the RED grants reflect this diversity.
“This latest funding commitment adds to the $2,227,561 allocated to 26 Kimberley projects funded through the previous three rounds of RED grants.
“The State’s nine Regional Development Commissions are on the front line promoting our RED grants and supporting businesses and communities, which make our regions places where people want to live, work and wander.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“RED grants are a lifeline for Kimberley businesses looking to step up to the next level. The grant scheme offers economic development to fantastic locally run operations to provide more job opportunities and significant economic diversification to our region.
“I thank the Minister for funding these great projects and I look forward to seeing the many benefits this funding will bring back to our whole community.”
Successful Round 4 RED Grant recipients – Kimberley
| Grant Applicant | Project | Grant Amount |
| Marine Biomedical Pty Ltd | Establishment of biomedical laboratory facility in Broome to manufacture PearlBone | $200,000 |
| Frillnecks Enterprises Pty Ltd | Little Bilbies Day Care Expansion Project | $170,000 |
| Lakeside Minerals Livestock Pty Ltd | Establishment of Lakeside Minerals Livestock – supplements for Kimberley pastoralists. | $150,000 |
| MGC Building and Maintenance Pty Ltd | Assistance in Purchasing Capital Equipment – Soil Compactor | $85,000 |
| East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry | Addressing labour shortage issues in the East Kimberley region | $75,000 |
| Mowanjum Aboriginal Corporation | Expansion of centre pivot capability to accommodate more Wagyu breeders | $60,000 |
| Frilled Enterprises Pty Ltd | Traffic Management Certification – Jobs and training | $33,000 |
