Boosting tourism development to bring more visitors to the Pilbara region and creating opportunities for new industries are the key focus for projects funded through the McGowan Government’s Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
The State Government has allocated $23.9 million over four years to the RED Grants program, administered by the nine Regional Development Commissions, providing $690,455 to the Pilbara region in the first round.
Eight Pilbara projects will receive RED grants, set to create an estimated 60 new jobs in the region over five years.
The McGowan Government will provide $50,000 towards a feasibility study for a hot dip galvanising plant based in Karratha, which would expand the capabilities of local fabrication and engineering companies and allow local businesses to become more competitive in resources industry projects.
Three projects will receive funding that will directly contribute to the development of new tourism opportunities in the Pilbara.
The North West Brewing Company Pty Ltd will receive $185,000 towards the construction of a microbrewery in Karratha that will investigate using bush foods to create a beer flavour unique to the region.
Tabba Tabba Pty Ltd is proposing a start-up Aboriginal owned and operated tourism business, Pilbara Tours, servicing the north-east Pilbara with $150,000 in grant funding allocated.
A diverse range of new tour opportunities will be available including resource-focused tours of local salt and lithium mining, beef production, land-based fishing and Aboriginal cultural and nature-based experiences.
Offering land and sea adventures at Point Samson is the focus of the Point Samson Adventure Rentals project which will receive $60,000. The funding will assist to expand the current The Cove Holiday Village to offer visitors opportunities for kayaking, diving, snorkelling, fishing and bike adventures.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The Pilbara is in a unique position to diversify its economic growth from the traditional mining and resources sector and develop into a recognised tourism destination in WA.
“The proposal for a galvanising plant in Karratha would be a major boost for the local fabrication industry and help to support more local involvement in major resources projects.
“The RED Grants provide the opportunity to focus on community-led projects which will boost our regional economy, create jobs and add vibrancy to towns.
“By investing in a variety of regional initiatives, the State Government is helping to grow Western Australia’s regional areas into thriving and sustainable communities.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“I am absolutely committed to diversifying the Pilbara’s economy and creating jobs for local people.
“These projects will help to drive new opportunities in tourism, showing off our Pilbara as a destination to visit and to live.”
Successful RED Grants projects for the Pilbara region:
| Applicant | Project | Funding |
| North West Brewing Company Pty Ltd | North West Brewing Company | $185,000 |
| City of Karratha | Seven Mile Landfill Composting Trial | $100,000 |
| Tabba Tabba Pty Ltd | Pilbara Tours 4WD Bus | $150,000 |
| Cove Holiday Village | Point Samson Adventure Rentals | $60,000 |
| Marnda Advanced Coatings Pty Ltd | Feasibility study for Marnda Galvanising Facility | $50,000 |
| Pilbara Solar Pty Ltd | Building Solar Capacity for Remote Indigenous Communities | $50,000 |
| Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation | Yindjibarndi Interactive Media Cultural Awareness Training | $50,000 |
| Association for Sustainability in Business Incorporated | Developing Northern Australia Conference – 2019 | $45,455 |
