Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls was in Augusta today to see first-hand projects to benefit from the inaugural South West Regional Grants Scheme.
Speaking at a function at the Augusta Telecentre, the Minister said he was pleased the grants would aid a diverse array of projects in the Augusta area.
“I am thrilled that a grant of $93,828 will go toward revitalising Western Australia’s largest show cave,” Mr Grylls said.
“The Jewel Cave is both an important ecological site and popular tourist attraction.”
Over a period of time visitation impacts have degraded the Jewel Cave’s environment and a complete redevelopment is required to protect and preserve the cave’s heritage.
“The Jewel Cave Preservation and Redevelopment Project aims to conserve the heritage of one of WA’s natural and iconic tourist attractions,” the Minister said.
“The grant will play an important part in ensuring this project’s success.”
The South West Regional Grants Scheme is an initiative of Royalties for Regions and was designed to support projects that help attract investment, increase jobs or improve the quality of life in regional WA.
The Minister thanked the efforts of the South West Development Commission which administered the scheme.
Other local recipients of the South West Regional Grants Scheme included:
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Augusta Croquet Club Inc - $15,000 towards installation of lighting
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Lions Club of Leeuwin Inc - $60,000 towards an upgrade of the Augusta Adventure Centre
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Augusta Volunteer Sea Rescue Group Inc (Augusta Volunteer Sea Search & Rescue Group) - $33,776 towards renovation of the group’s training/meeting room and construction of a toilet block
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Augusta Telecentre Inc - $7,331 towards air-conditioning for radio station studios
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Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association - $50,000 towards CowParade Margaret River 2010
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Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association - $93,828 towards Jewel Cave preservation and redevelopment project;
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Shire of Augusta-Margaret River - $132,153 towards underground power in Cowaramup
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Rapid Ascent Pty Ltd - $15,000 towards Anaconda Adventure Race in Augusta.
Minister's office - 9213 7000