By Grace Jones | posted on January 16, 2020
MINISTER for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan was given a tour around the Himac Attachments facilities yesterday after announcing the recipients of the second round of the Regional Economic Development Grants program.
The RED Grants program is a State Government initiative to promote community-driven projects that will create jobs and boost economic growth.
In the last round $6.38m was distributed across 70 projects in nine different regions.
This round eight projects in the Great Southern will share $797,995 with Albany based Himac Attachments receiving $47,148.
Minister MacTiernan said the government was investing in a diverse range of projects this round.
“Particularly those which will create jobs and training opportunities for young people and support the long-term growth of manufacturing and business development in the Great Southern,” she said.
“Boosting our local manufacturing capability is vital to the future economic growth and sustainability of our regional communities.
“Projects such as the construction of modular housing and local machinery fabrication will provide wide community benefits, supporting other local businesses in the region like steel suppliers, electricians, tilers and plumbers.”
In Himac Attachments’ application they stated that they would use their funding to develop and construct a fully interactive platform for fabrication and welding processes, which would in turn create more job opportunities for young people and school leavers.
Also on the recipients list was South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc. who received $149,860 for their Seeding Great southern Noongar Enterprises program.
The program will provide training, equipment and mentoring for Tambellup and Gnowangerup Aboriginal communities to establish seed and seedling propagation businesses.
The Shire of Cranbrook received $150,000 for their Frankland River Accommodation Project, West Coast Analytical Services received $150,000 for a new laboratory project, and Woodlands Distillery Pty Ltd received $98,660 for the development of a micro-distillery near the Porongurups.
The award winning Dellendale Creamery received $76,177 for the construction of a new ripening cellar for cheese, Albany Seafoods Pty Ltd received $75,000 for a factory extension and restoration, and Monty’s Leap winery received $51,150 for their Monty’s Leap Winery Boardwalk and Rustic Wedding Venue project.
Member for Albany Peter Watson said the RED Grants program was a prime example of the “McGowan Government investing in the regions, promoting small businesses and creating jobs”.
“With more jobs on offer, the Great Southern becomes even more attractive for people to live and work in this stunning part of the world.”
