Goldfields-Esperance projects that will create new jobs and help drive economic growth have received funding through the McGowan Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
Five projects across the Goldfields-Esperance region are set to share in $534,328 through Round 2 of the RED Grants program.
The McGowan Government has committed $28.8 million over five years towards the highly successful grants program for projects which directly benefit regional communities.
Boulder business, Goldfields NDT has been allocated $195,000 towards construction of a purpose-built facility to increase its testing capabilities for mining and non-mining services. This will allow local testing on a range of materials for construction, mining, medical and other sectors, improving local technical expertise and job opportunities.
Esperance-based business, Southern Sardines will receive $149,328 to develop new wild catch fish products and modify its current processing facility for expansion into the local seafood markets. The project will support value-add practices for the Esperance seafood industry.
The Shire of Coolgardie will receive $100,000 to develop the Coolgardie Innovation and Economic Development Centre, supporting local employment services and economic activity through the refurbishment and activation of the historic post office complex.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The McGowan Government is supporting our regions by investing in a range of innovative projects which create local jobs and opportunities for community development and growth.
"Boosting local processing capability and services for industries based in Kalgoorlie and Esperance is vital to the future economic growth and sustainability of our regional communities.
"We look forward to seeing these projects up and running, and bringing more diverse employment opportunities and benefits for people living and working in this important region."
Successful RED grant projects for the Goldfields-Esperance region:
| Applicant | Project | Funding |
| Goldfields NDT | Towards the construction of a purpose-built Non-Destructive Testing Facility for Kalgoorlie-Boulder, including a radiation bay, laboratories, dark room and processing facilities, training rooms and on-site crane. The new facility will help meet the materials testing needs of local industry sectors, generating regional jobs, and quality service provision to local businesses. | $195,000 |
| Guardon Pty Ltd (Southern Sardines) | The Innovating Esperance Seafood project will enable the purchase of specialist equipment to support value-add practices and packaging for new seafood products to supply restaurants, supermarkets and wholesale markets. The project will boost local employment and diversify the regional fishing industry. | $149,328 |
| Shire of Coolgardie | The Coolgardie Innovation and Economic Development Centre project includes the refurbishment and economic activation of the historic post office complex. The project will support small business and Aboriginal economic development in the Shire. | $100,000 |
| Esperance Aged Care Facility | Esperance Aged Care Workforce Development Project aims to attract, recruit and retain workers to support the expanded residential care facility. This project will help meet a regional workforce gap and support the provision of quality residential aged care. | $80,000 |
| Shire of Leonora | Leonora Golden Gift 2020 is a long-running annual event that attracts a growing number of visitors to the Northern Goldfields. The event is centred on Australia's richest mile running race, the 'Elite Mile' together with community concerts, horse races, children's entertainment, markets and street performances. | $10,000 |
