Manufacturing projects are among six initiatives to receive a share of $1.02 million in funding under Round 8 of the Western Australian Government’s Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program, aimed at supporting economic diversification and business resilience across the Great Southern.
The funding, announced by the WA Government, forms part of a broader $60.85 million investment over 11 years delivered through the State’s nine Regional Development Commissions to stimulate regional economic growth.
Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson announced the successful recipients in Albany, including J&S Castlehow Electrical Services, which will receive $200,000 to expand into advanced switchboard manufacturing through the purchase and installation of an industrial laser cutter.
According to the WA Government, the project is expected to support advanced manufacturing capability in the region while creating jobs and training opportunities.
Additional funding has been allocated across sectors including agribusiness, construction, tourism and hospitality. Fulcher Contractors Pty Ltd will receive $200,000 to develop a heavy plant workshop and training facility in Mount Barker, while Nowanup Noongar Boodjar Ltd has been awarded $160,000 for a multipurpose workshop aimed at supporting Aboriginal-led cultural tourism and environmental management.
In agribusiness, Frankland Landholdings Pty Ltd will receive $180,000 to establish a purpose-built hub in Frankland River to expand agronomy and soil testing services.
Two tourism and hospitality projects were also funded, including upgrades to accommodation by Denmark Hotel Operations Pty Ltd and the fit-out of a seafood restaurant at the Albany Waterfront by Yefsea Pty Ltd.
Dawson said the program was designed to strengthen regional economies through a mix of industry support, including manufacturing.
“The Regional Economic Development Grants provide a valuable opportunity to diversify our regional economies, create new jobs and deliver sustainable employment and training outcomes,” he said.
“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.”
Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby said the program backed “locally driven projects that continue to strengthen the Great Southern’s economy,” adding that it delivered “real economic benefits for Great Southern communities.”
Samantha Rowe MLC said the funding round was “driving investment and innovation across the Great Southern, boosting local industries and creating new jobs,” and described the grants as enabling communities to deliver projects that would support the region’s long-term economic future.
The WA Government stated that, taken together, the funded projects are intended to expand manufacturing, agribusiness and tourism activity while supporting employment across multiple sectors in the region.
