11/8/04
The State Government has funded 16 new projects and major industries in Manjimup and Bridgetown-Greenbushes over the past three years, providing important jobs and economic development, South-West Minister Bob Kucera said today.
“These are important grants, totalling more than $330,000, because they help give projects and programs important to the community a kick-start,” Mr Kucera said.
The funding comes through the State Government’s Regional Development Scheme (RDS) which, in the South-West, is administered by the South West Development Commission.
The Minister said the latest funding round had just closed and he expected to announce the successful applications in the next few weeks.
Including the current funding round - still under consideration - the State will have granted $1.6million to projects throughout the South-West region.
“This funding helps projects which will improve the economic and social development of the region,” Mr Kucera said.
Previous success stories include the Lake Jasper seed potato operation, which received an RDS grant of $28,000 to buy seed for the granola potato variety.
Shipments of seed potatoes have since been sent into Northern Sumatra, Indonesia and trials are expected to lead to increased orders and a fully-fledged commercial operation.
Through the RDS, the State has also supported the rapidly expanding olive industry and provided $24,500 to the South West Olive Association, for preparation of a business plan to establish a regional olive facility, owned and operated by olive growers.
Manjimup’s fledgling green tea industry received a boost, with funding to help analyse the potential to grow tea commercially for export to Japan.
To boost tourism in the region, the State provided $20,000 to help bring the Greenbushes mining story to life through an interactive mining display.
Other grants through previous RDS rounds have enabled improvements to the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park and an upgrade to the Pemberton Main Street.
“The State Government is committed to providing assistance in regional areas to encourage growth and prosperity in these districts,” Mr Kucera said.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
