Time is running out to apply for the next round of the Palaszczuk Government’s job-creating Rural Economic Development Grants (RED) program.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said $3.3 million worth of projects from the first round would create up to 600 jobs and help 15 rural businesses to expand.
“This week I have been talking to businesses and councils in southwest Queensland about the opportunities the RED scheme provides to create more jobs for local communities,” Mr Furner said.
“I highlighted the work of St George sheep producers John and Michelle Brodie who were successful in securing a grant to build a new lamb feedlot and spelling yard, that will lead to about 13 locals being directly or indirectly employed over the life of the project.
“Animal welfare is extremely important in the livestock industry which is why this is a great initiative that John and Michelle Brodie have put forward.”
Mr Furner said businesses wanting to access the program had a week to apply for the second round of the RED program
“This grant program represents everything that we are about – creating the regional jobs we need now and in to the future,” he said.
“We have created more than 216,000 jobs since 2015 and we want to make sure every part of Queensland shares in the benefits.
“That’s why our Rural Economic Development grants are so important. They help existing agricultural businesses to expand their capacity and create more jobs in rural communities.”
Rural Economic Development grants provide co-contributions up to $250,000 for food and agricultural businesses to support ‘shovel-ready’ projects that create jobs related to value added primary production and provide significant economic benefits to rural and regional communities.
The RED Grant program is funded for a total of $10 million over three years.
Expressions of interest for round two close on September 6.
