Individuals and organisations throughout regional Western Australia will share in up to $45million in the latest round of the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Regional Grants Scheme (RGS).

Announcing the opening of the contestable grants program in Bunbury today, Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said each of the nine development commissions would make available up to $5million to applicants within their region.

“The grants scheme is providing money for projects to help attract investment and increase jobs or improve the quality of life in regional WA,” Mr Grylls said.

Applicants would be assessed and approved by Regional Development Commission boards for endorsement by the Minister and State Government.

“This innovative program allows individuals and organisations to bid their case for funding directly to their development commission, knowing their proposal will be dealt with at the local level,” the Minister said.

“In the inaugural round earlier this year, 320 applicants State-wide received grants totalling more than $30million.”

Mr Grylls paid tribute to the chairs, CEOs and staff of the nine commissions for their hard work and diligence during the inaugural round.

“They carried out their work with great diligence in assessing more than 800 grant applications from groups including volunteers, businesses, educational institutions, philanthropic foundations and community organisations,’ he said..

“With many of the projects now under way, it is exciting to see the diversity of the projects and the benefits from them.

“There’s a wide range, from building and restoring local facilities to upgrading services such as water and electricity supplies as well as allocations to support community attractions and events.

“Some, like the extension of the Munda Biddi Trail from Nannup to Albany, involve more than one region and will have widespread benefits including tourism, environmental, health and lifestyle opportunities.

“Scores of other smaller projects will bring long-term benefits to communities.”

The Minister said he had been pleased to see a considerable commitment to indigenous projects and activities in the first round of grants.

“It is a clear commitment of support for regional communities and I encourage potential applicants to contact their Regional Development Commission for more information,” he said.

The latest round of contestable grants is part of a total pool of $73million allocated to regional communities through the Regional Development Commission structure in the 2009-10 budget.

Of this total pool, $28million has been made available for projects identified by the Regional Development Council in conjunction with the nine commissions.  The Regional Development Council is the peak advisory body to the State Government on regional development issues.

The applications for contestable grants are now open and will close on February 10 next year.

A list of Regional Development Commission contacts is available on the Department of Regional Development and Land’s website: http://www.royaltiesforregions.wa.gov.au/Content/MajorProjects/RGS/Default.aspx or by phoning 9217 1400.