RED Grants Boost Investment, Diversification in Wheatbelt

  • Nine Wheatbelt projects to share in $766,000 in Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding
  • Investment supports job creation and business growth across agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing, and Aboriginal enterprise
  • Cook Labor Government committed to supporting regional businesses and communities

Nine Wheatbelt projects will share in $766,000 in funding under Round 8 of the Cook Labor Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program, supporting business expansion, local job creation, and economic diversification.

The RED Grants program is investing $60.85 million over 11 years into locally driven projects that stimulate economic growth across regional Western Australia.

Round 8 highlights the breadth of opportunity across the Wheatbelt, from advanced manufacturing and value-adding in agriculture to tourism and Aboriginal enterprise.

In Wongan Hills, a $115,000 grant will support the construction of a new mechanical workshop, expanding local vehicle servicing, introducing new capabilities, and creating training opportunities for the local workforce.

Tourism will also receive a boost, with new eco-accommodation in Mukinbudin set to attract visitors to the eastern Wheatbelt, alongside a boutique distillery and caf in Brookton that will strengthen the region's hospitality offering.

Several projects will enhance local production and value-adding, including the expansion of timber processing in Northam, a new fruit processing facility in Gingin, and increased honey production to support access to higher-value markets.

Investment in innovation and sustainability is also reflected through expanded livestock feed production designed to reduce emissions, while a new Aboriginal-owned maintenance enterprise will create jobs and deliver services across the region.

Together, these projects reflect the strength and diversity of the Wheatbelt economy, supporting local businesses to grow while creating new opportunities across multiple industries.

As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:

"Regional Economic Development Grants are helping businesses right across WA to grow, diversify and create local jobs.

"This program continues to unlock new opportunities in our regions by backing innovative, locally driven projects that strengthen industries, attract investment, and support long-term economic resilience.

"By investing in regional communities in the Wheatbelt, the Cook Labor Government is ensuring the benefits of economic growth are shared across the entire State."

As stated by Wheatbelt Minister Sabine Winton:

"RED Grants are making a real difference on the ground in the Wheatbelt, supporting local businesses to expand, create jobs, and strengthen their communities.

"This round highlights the diversity of the Wheatbelt economy, with projects across agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing, and Aboriginal enterprise all contributing to the region's future.

"By supporting these locally led initiatives, we are helping to build a more vibrant, resilient and sustainable Wheatbelt."

Successful Round 8 RED Grant recipients - Wheatbelt

Grant application

Project

Grant amount

Dolly's @ The Garage

Fit-out of a larger caf and shared commercial space in Toodyay, activating the town centre, supporting small businesses, and boosting the visitor economy.

$49,000

MDP Farming

Construction of a fruit processing shed in Gingin, improving efficiency and supporting local growers.

$100,000

Morgan Feed Supplies

Expansion of a feed production facility, increasing output of products that help reduce livestock emissions.

$39,000

Nature Play Solutions

Relocation and expansion of a timber processing facility to the Wheatbelt, increasing production, and strengthening local manufacturing.

$100,000

Noongar Land Enterprise Group

Expansion of honey production, increasing output, and supporting access to new markets.

$100,000

Red Fox Ag

Development of eco-accommodation on a working farm in Mukinbudin, creating a new tourism experience and attracting more visitors to the region.

$100,000

The Brookton

Establishment of a distillery and caf in Brookton, creating a new local attraction and enhancing the town's hospitality offering.

$65,000

TKB Mechanical

Construction of a new mechanical workshop in Wongan Hills, expanding local vehicle servicing, introducing new services, and supporting training opportunities.

$115,000

Yued Aboriginal Corporation

Establishment of an Aboriginal-owned maintenance business, creating jobs and delivering services across the region.

$98,000

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