Five Wheatbelt businesses will share in $795,000 to strengthen and diversify local economies under round four of the McGowan Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants.
The RED Grants program is a McGowan Government initiative investing $40.8 million over seven years in locally-driven projects to stimulate economic growth in the regions.
A $105,000 grant will support the Shire of Bruce Rock's rebuild of the town's supermarket, providing a crucial boost to the local economy after the original was destroyed by fire in March 2020.
Research, development and consulting company Living Farm will receive $200,000 towards establishing its new head office and operations centre in York, allowing the business to expand and provide significant ongoing economic benefits to the region.
Prefabricated modular home builder Evoke Living Homes will receive $200,000 for construction of a new purpose-built undercover manufacturing facility in Northam.
The project will allow the innovative local business to manufacture homes in all weather conditions, boosting regional housing stock.
Noongar Land Enterprise's Boola Boornap tree nursery will receive $100,000 to contribute to facility upgrades, enabling increased production of native tree seedlings and accreditation for direct sales to the public.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The latest round of RED Grant funding builds on the Wheatbelt's local capacity, ensuring businesses remain in the region, boosting jobs and supporting the long-term growth of communities.
"The construction of the Bruce Rock supermarket will not only increase the number of local jobs but provides additional investment opportunities and long-term social and economic benefits for the community.
"These grants have played a fundamental role in driving the growth of Wheatbelt jobs, businesses and emerging local industries."
Successful Wheatbelt Round Four RED Grants
| Grant Applicant | Project Description | Grant Amount |
| Augment Agriculture | Living Farm Expansion and New Integrated Facility - to develop a new head office and operations centre in York. | $200,000 |
| Evoke Living Homes | ELH Manufacturing Facility - to establish a purpose-built undercover structure to allow the manufacture of homes in all weather conditions. | $200,000 |
| Whinbin Rock Farms | Armstrong Malt - Artisan Malthouse Establishment - to construct a bespoke malting facility to house equipment and infrastructure. | $190,000 |
| Noongar Land Enterprise Group - Boola Boornap | Native Tree Nursery Upgrade and Expansion - to upgrade the native tree nursery through the purchase of nursery benches and irrigation. | $100,000 |
| Shire of Bruce Rock | Bruce Rock Supermarket - towards the construction and fit-out works of the new supermarket. | $105,000 |
