- Six Great Southern projects to share in $1.02 million Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding
- Cook Labor Government investments support regional job creation in agribusiness, training, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality sectors
- Funding strengthens business capability and economic diversification in the Great Southern
Six Great Southern projects will share in $1.02 million in funding under Round 8 of the Cook Labor Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program, supporting economic diversification and long-term business resilience across the region.
The RED Grants program delivered by Western Australia's nine Regional Development Commissions, is investing $60.85 million over 11 years in locally driven projects that stimulate economic growth in the regions.
Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson announced the successful projects today at J&S Castlehow Electrical Services in Albany, one of the Round 8 grant recipients.
Castlehow has been awarded $200,000 to purchase and install an industrial switchboard laser cutter, enabling the business to expand from minor fabrication into certified, advanced switchboard manufacturing. The investment will support advanced manufacturing in the Great Southern whilst creating new jobs and training opportunities.
Two additional Great Southern businesses will receive funding to assist in the construction of new workshop facilities in the region.
Fulcher Contractors Pty Ltd has been awarded $200,000 to construct a new heavy plant workshop and training facility at its Mount Barker operations. The project will increase the company's capacity to deliver civil contracting works while creating new opportunities for skilled workers, apprentices and trainees.
Aboriginal owned company Nowanup Noongar Boodjar Ltd will receive $160,000 to construct a multipurpose workshop, supporting growth in Aboriginal led cultural tourism and environmental management. The project is expected strengthen Aboriginal employment opportunities and enhance land care management outcomes in the region.
In the agribusiness sector, Frankland Landholdings Pty Ltd has been awarded $180,000 to construct a purpose-built agribusiness hub in Frankland River. The project looks to expand local agronomy, soil testing and advisory services, boosting local expenditure and service availability in the middle and upper Great Southern.
Two hospitality and tourism operators have also received RED Grant funding to expand and diversify the region's visitor offering.
Denmark Hotel Operations Pty Ltd has been awarded $175,000 to revitalise their upstairs accommodation. With the area currently unused, these upgrades will increase the options and availability of premium budget accommodation for short-term workers and travellers.
Yefsea Pty Ltd will receive $105,000 to support the fit out of a new locally owned seafood restaurant and takeaway at the Albany Waterfront. The project seeks to activate the waterfront precinct, create local jobs, and strengthen demand for locally caught seafood.
Together, the Round 8 projects will diversify manufacturing, agribusiness and cultural tourism offerings in the Great Southern while supporting job creation across training, heavy industry, hospitality and tourism.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Regional Economic Development Grants provide a valuable opportunity to diversify our regional economies, create new jobs and deliver sustainable employment and training outcomes.
"The Great Southern is home to incredible opportunities for business development, and through RED grants we can support projects that will create jobs and open up new opportunities.
"From local manufacturing projects to revitalised accommodation and new hospitality ventures, these grants are helping to shape a stronger, more resilient future for our regional communities and helping create local jobs for local people."
As stated by Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby:
"I congratulate all the successful Round 8 RED Grant recipients and commend the locally driven projects that continue to strengthen the Great Southern's economy.
"By backing locally led initiatives from Albany through to Mount Barker, Frankland River, Nowanup and Denmark, the RED Grants program is delivering real economic benefits for Great Southern communities."
As stated by Samantha Rowe MLC:
"The latest round of RED Grants is driving investment and innovation across the Great Southern, boosting local industries and creating new jobs.
"These grants are empowering communities across the region deliver projects that will strengthen the region's economic future."
Successful Round 8 RED Grant recipients - Great Southern
Grant Applicant |
Project |
Grant Amount |
Castlehow Nominees Pty Ltd |
Sustainable and Local Switchboard Manufacturing |
$200,000 |
Denmark Hotel Operations Pty Ltd |
Revitalising the Denmark Hotel's Upstairs Accommodation |
$175,000 |
Fulcher Contractors Pty Ltd |
Heavy Plant Workshop and Training Centre |
$200,000 |
Frankland Landholdings Pty Ltd |
Frankland Rural Agribusiness Expansion Project |
$180,000 |
Nowanup Noongar Boodjar Ltd |
Construction of a Multipurpose Workshop |
$160,000 |
Yefsea Pty Ltd, trading as Great Southern Seafoods |
Albany Waterfront Marina Seafood Restaurant & Takeaway Fit-out |
$105,000 |
