Eight South-West projects share in $696,254 grant funding
McGowan Government investing in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing in the South-West
South-West businesses have received a welcome boost to make their initiatives a reality, after sharing in $696,254 under round five of the McGowan Government’s Regional Economic Development (RED) grants program.
The McGowan Government’s RED grants program has invested $45.8 million over eight years in local projects across Western Australia’s regions, driving economic development and supporting regional communities.
Successful projects in round five will diversify the agriculture, tourism, and hospitality sectors and enhance manufacturing capacity in the region.
Aquafarms Australia will receive $147,280 towards opening an interactive agritourism facility at The Capel Marron Farm. The development will include a hospitality venue and tourism experience centred around the iconic WA marron.
Samson’s Paddock will use $100,000 to renovate the first floor of the historic Railway Hotel in Donnybrook – creating 15 premium hotel rooms and diversifying the region’s tourism accommodation offerings. The project is part of a wider development of a brewery, distillery, and restaurant.
A total of $57,125 will provide a boost to Local Drinks Co’s operations, through the purchase of equipment allowing the company to produce products that are shelf-stable, all-natural, and preservative free.
Thurlby Herb Farm in Walpole has been allocated $98,305 towards new manufacturing facilities, aiming to increase capacity and unlock opportunities for the business to expand its product range in retail outlets all across Australia.
A $50,000 grant to Harvey Hemp will help to build the capacity of the region’s emerging industrial hemp industry.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Across Western Australia, Regional Economic Development Grants have made a positive impact on local business and industry.
“Previous grant recipients include RCR Mining Technologies – which has a new robotic welder to increase capability – another example of the McGowan Government backing manufacturing.
“With the latest funding allocations, RED Grants will continue to support growth and diversification in regional Western Australia – supporting business, industry and jobs.”
Round five RED Grant recipients – South-West
| Grant Applicant | Project Description | Grant Amount |
| Samson’s Paddock | Project Donny-Stay – Creating Donnybrook’s Only Premium Hotel Accommodation | $100,000 |
| Aquafarms Australia | The Capel Marron Farm Tourism Facility | $147,280 |
| Harvey Hemp | Harvey Hemp Regional Scalability and Expansion Project | $50,000 |
| The Local Drinks Co | Shelf Stable All Natural Handcrafted, Better for You Beverages | $57,125 |
| Thurlby Herb Farm | Thurlby Herb Farm – Sweet Smell of Soap Success in the Southern Forests | $98,305 |
| Lennard Waste | Lennard Waste Water Treatment – Waste Reduction, Water Enrichment, Capacity Growth | $100,000 |
| Integrity Engineering Solutions | Development of the Jointegrity Bolted Joint Quality Assurance System | $100,000 |
| Touchtech Australia | Touchtech Australia New Facility Fitout | $43,544 |
