Albany-based grower group Stirlings to Coast Farmers is among three of the latest recipients of Regional New Industries Fund grants from the McGowan Government to advance industry innovation and business opportunities.
Stirlings to Coast will receive a $225,000 grant towards trialling a digital supply chain logistics model to identify provenance and provide traceability of frozen Western Australian lamb products.
The investment will help WA sheep producers cultivate alternative markets for boxed meat and capture new export customers by providing surety about the quality and origin of product.
Kojonup-based grower group Southern Dirt received a $100,000 grant towards an investment strategy and agronomic package to establish a flax industry in WA.
Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence in Albany was allocated $77,831 towards an initiative to upskill and mentor tourism businesses in the lower Great Southern.
For more information about the Regional New Industries Fund grants visit https://www.drd.wa.gov.au/projects/Economic-Development/Pages/regional_new_industries_fund.aspx
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The Stirlings to Coast Food Agility project could be a game-changer in the meat industry, streamlining procurement, distribution and marketing of high-grade WA lamb to improve supply chain efficiency, traceability and communication between customers, processors and suppliers.
“The grant is expected to leverage a further $575,000, which will help to stimulate business growth and employment in the region, while also creating opportunities for market diversification and differentiation in the competitive global sheep trade.”
As stated by Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly:
“The latest recipients of Regional New Industries Fund grants typify the diverse range of businesses that have benefited from this investment, providing the boost required to get business innovations and opportunities off the ground.
“I’m really proud of this initiative, which showcases the great potential of our regional start-ups and small to medium enterprises to capture co-investment. This allows them to grow and develop so they can pursue new market opportunities that generate ongoing benefits to the broader community and the economy.”
As stated by Albany MLA Peter Watson:
“The McGowan Government’s Regional New Industries Fund is delivering innovation and local job creating in Albany and across the Great Southern.
“This funding for the Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence will help to boost the skills in our local tourism industry, driving more visitors to Albany and creating a better visitor experience.”
