PILBARA PROJECTS AND ABORIGINAL ENTERPRISES SECURE MAJOR ECONOMIC BOOST

Minister for Regional Development Don Punch announcing the grants at Lo’s Cafe Karratha, WA

PC:ASAD KHAN

BY ASAD KHAN

Seven Pilbara projects will share nearly $1.1 million in funding under Round 7 of the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.

The grants, part of the Cook Government’s $55.85 million initiative, aim to boost regional business resilience and diversify the economy over the next decade.

Regional Development Minister Don Punch made the announcement today at Lo's Café and Dining in Karratha, one of the successful local recipients.

Minister Punch said he is delighted to announce the grants.

“With a record $10 million on offer for Round 7 'Mega REDs', we are fostering regional development that is making meaningful change, creating real jobs and diversifying regional economies."

In addition, Minister Punch announced $2.1 million in funding for six Aboriginal enterprises under the Northern Native Seed Initiative. This funding will support native seed production for land restoration and rehabilitation across regional WA.

He said the Northern Native Seed Industry Development Initiative represents a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainable development and Aboriginal economic empowerment.

"With native seed demand outstripping supply, there is significant opportunity for resource companies to support and partner with NNSIDI grant recipients to drive the expansion of seed production operations into the future."

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Pilbara, Kimberley, and Goldfields-Esperance Development Commissions, with two grant recipients in each region.

Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist Asad Khan speak with Regional Development Minister Don Punch: