Kim Chance

Kim Chance

Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; the Mid West and Wheatbelt; Great Southern

    Funding boost for Regional Development Scheme

    19/09/2005 12:00 AM
     
    19/9/05

    Mid-West Minister Kim Chance today announced a $100,000 funding boost for the Regional Development Scheme and encouraged the community to take advantage of the grants available.

    Mr Chance said the boost brought the total allocation over the four years to 2009-10 to $2million and expressions of interest for the grants, which were administered through the Mid West Development Commission, closed on September 23.

    The Minister said the scheme was one component of the State Government’s Regional Investment Fund and part of its ongoing commitment to developing regional Western Australia.

    “The scheme is an opportunity for people in regional areas to develop projects that will bring tangible benefits to their communities,” he said.

    “Scores of projects have already been successful in attracting investment from the Regional Development Scheme and the results have improved social, economic and business opportunities.

    “The Gallop Government is ensuring regional WA receives its fair share.”

    Acting Mid West Development Commission chief executive officer Steve Douglas said he was struck by the diversity of past grant recipients.

    “From the Croc Fest youth initiative to Clontarf Football Academy, there is no doubt the nature of these ventures is very diverse,” Mr Douglas said.

    “They are also varied in location, from Geraldton to Mount Magnet, Meekatharra and Wiluna - in fact they reach right across the region.”

    Mr Douglas said preference would again be given to projects which had the ability to attract investment, trade and industrial development to regional areas.

    Projects that supported the development of infrastructure and economic diversification and those likely to boost tourism development would also be viewed favourably. They might be eligible for grants between $5,000 and $150,000.

    Guidelines are available from the MWDC website at http://www.mwdc.wa.gov.au or by calling the commission on 9921 0702. Expressions of interest close on September 23 with full applications due by October 26.

    Minister’s office: 9213 6700
    Mid West Development Commission: 9921 0702