Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls today met with local recipients of the inaugural South West Regional Grants Scheme during a tour of Collie. The Minister visited the Ngalang Boodja Council Aboriginal Corporation’s aquaculture project, before meeting with other recipients at a function at the Shire of Collie.

“I am impressed with how the Ngalang Boodja Council Aboriginal Corporation is recycling old coal mines near Collie for the purpose of farming marron for commercial sale,” Mr Grylls said.

“It’s a unique venture that will result in an exciting new industry for Collie as well as employment for local Noongar people.

“The project received $251,585 through the South West Regional Grants Scheme, an initiative of Royalties for Regions.”

“This grant will be put towards installation of a processing and purging system, bird netting over ponds and a security fence around the site. It will also be used to construct gravel roads around the ponds and a building to be used in farm operations, training and research.”

The Minister said the South West Regional Grants Scheme’s first round, administered by the South West Development Commission, had helped fund 66 projects across the region.

“The South West Regional Grants Scheme was designed to fund projects that help attract investment, increase jobs or improve the quality of life in regional Western Australia and I am delighted to see it help so many projects in the Collie area,” he said

Those projects include:

• Riding for the Disabled - $6,960 - fencing of a second riding arena
• Senior Citizens & Meals on Wheels - $8,000 - refurbishment of building
• Collie Art Group - $2,000 - towards a new potters kiln
• Collie PCYC - $47,000 - towards the auto workshop program
• Collie Race Club Inc - $16,487 - water and electricity upgrade to facilities
• 1st Collie Scout Group - $32,400 - Scout Hall and ground renovations
• Collie Woodturners Group - $8,100 - New wood lathe.