News

New grants money for regional communities 28/10/09

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.”

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 or by phoning 9217 1400.

Media Statement
Brendon Grylls
Minister for Regional Development; Lands; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development; Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport