- Round 9 Regional Economic Development Grants now open
- Funding available for projects to support thriving regions and communities
- Part of Cook Labor Government's commitment to support economic diversification and jobs in regional WA
South West businesses with plans to expand, diversify, and invest in the region are encouraged to apply for funding through the Cook Labor Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
Round 9 is now open, with $5 million available to support projects across regional Western Australia to drive economic diversification, create local jobs, and support sustainable regional growth.
Funding is available for locally driven projects that strengthen local employment, expand or diversify industry, develop skills, increase business productivity, or attract new investment to the regions.
RED Grants have a strong track record in the South West, with 65 initiatives receiving more than $5.6 million in first eight rounds of the program.
Recent success stories include Picton Eastbased RCR Mining Technologies, which received a grant to support the establishment of an advanced manufacturing training hub to boost the availability of skilled local workers in the South West.
In the coming months, the hub will deliver accredited blockrelease training through South Regional TAFE.
Applications for Round 9 are now open and close at 3pm on 14 January 2027. More program information for the South West, including guidelines and application details, is available at swdc.wa.gov.au/grants-funding/red-grants/
The program is delivered through the South West Development Commission, with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"It's fantastic to be here in the South West region to officially open Round 9 of the Cook Labor Government's RED Grants program.
"The South West hosts a wide range of businesses with ideas that can grow and diversify the region's economy, and I encourage them to explore what the RED Grants program can offer."
As stated by South West Minister Don Punch:
"The South West is full of businesses looking to grow and innovate, and these grants can help turn those ambitions into projects that deliver local jobs and investment.
"By supporting local projects, the Cook Labor Government is helping strengthen the South West economy and create new opportunities for people across the region."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"Previous RED grant recipient RCR Mining Technologies is a great example of how we are supporting bringing training and industry together, helping build the skilled workforce regional businesses need.
"If you have a project that can grow your business, build local capability, or create new economic opportunities, I'd encourage you to take a look at this opportunity."
