- Applications for Round 9 of the Regional Economic Development Grants program now open
- $5 million in funding available for locally-driven projects to build thriving regions and communities
- Peel regional businesses and organisations encouraged to apply
The Cook Labor Government has opened Round 9 of its Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program which will see $5 million invested in regional projects that generate jobs and economic growth.
Funding is now available for locally-driven projects that support jobs, expand or diversify industry, develop skills or capability, increase business productivity and attract new investment to the regions.
The Cook Labor Government is investing more than $65.85 million over 12 years towards the RED Grants program to stimulate economic growth and development in regional Western Australia.
Recent success stories include ARYZTA which used a $250,000 RED Grant in Round 7 to purchase equipment to assess new evolving technologies to measure and improve bun quality at its first Western Australian commercial bakery at the Peel Business Park, which opened in August this year.
ARYZTA's Western Australian bakery represents an investment of approximately $80 million and is expected to support more than 100 local jobs as operations continue to grow.
Waroona based SDR Engineering also received a $210,000 Red Grant in Round 7 to expand its operations and diversify into manufacturing replacement spare parts for heavy equipment. The RED grant was used to expand into larger premises adjacent to their current workshop, purchase and install a new lathe and gantry crane.
The project saw a 34 per cent increase in domestic sales within 12 months of project completion and created two additional full-time roles and two apprentices/trainees.
Eligible applicants can apply for RED Grants funding of up to $250,000 for individual projects in the Peel region. To-date, 53 projects over eight rounds of RED grants, have been delivered in Peel, totalling in excess of $5.8 million.
Applications for Round 9 are now open and close on 14 January 2027.
As stated by Peel Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"This latest round of the RED Grants program offers investment in projects that support local jobs, build local capacity, and grow local businesses across WA's regions, demonstrating our commitment to creating lasting economic growth and strong communities in Peel.
"The Cook Labor Government has a track record of investing millions into local Peel projects over the past 8 rounds of the program. These grants have helped grow and expand industry, support Aboriginal enterprise, and help diversify Peel's thriving agriculture and tourism sectors, all while delivering sustainable local jobs.
"I encourage all eligible groups to submit their innovative project ideas for consideration, and help shape Peel's continued growth and prosperity."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"These grants are significant economic enablers for regional WA and I encourage businesses and organisations in the Peel region to apply.
"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.
"From local manufacturing projects to revitalised accommodation, the Peel region is open to some incredible opportunities for business development, and through RED grants we can support projects that will create jobs and open up new opportunities."
As stated by Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams:
"The RED Grants program is helping local businesses unlock new opportunities, create jobs and strengthen our regional economy.
"We've seen some great success stories through this program, and the Cook Labor Government is proud to continue backing local ideas and investment that will help build a stronger, more resilient economy for our region."
As stated by Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday:
"Here in Peel, we have some fantastic examples of what this funding can achieve. From helping businesses expand their operations and invest in new technology to supporting apprenticeships and creating new employment opportunities, these grants help build a stronger and more diverse local economy.
"Our region has so much potential, and backing locally driven projects is an important part of making sure Peel continues to grow and prosper. When local businesses succeed, our whole community benefits."
As stated by Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones:
"The RED Grants program empowers local organisations and businesses to make their project ideas a reality and delivers the boost they need to drive economic growth, new jobs and investment opportunities in their own communities.
"Under the WA Labor Government, RED Grants have seen nearly half-a-million dollars invested in projects in Darling Range since 2018, and it's enabled businesses to offer new products, grow their markets and accelerate their ideas. The funding is there, so apply for this round and make your project our region's next success story."
