- Four Pilbara projects to receive $755,339 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding
- Cook Government investing in renewables, health, indigenous economic development
Four Pilbara projects will share in $755,339 funding, which will help build regional business resilience and diversify the economy under Round 6 of the Regional Economic Development (RED) grants program.
The RED Grants program is a Cook Government initiative investing $50.85 million over nine years toward locally driven projects to stimulate economic growth in the regions.
A local indigenous-owned renewables rental business, Red Dog Renewables, will use its $250,000 grant to develop an electric vehicle (EV) maintenance hub in Karratha.
The EV maintenance hub will connect businesses and visitors to the Pilbara with local servicing and charging solutions, while helping to offset the Pilbara’s growing emissions footprint.
Pilbara Physiotherapy has also been awarded $250,000 to create a regional-first, allied health hub in Karratha.
The funding will be used to fit out the facility, which will include a disability equipment library, an all-accessible and culturally inclusive rehabilitation gym, a sensory room, a pilates room and treatment rooms.
The Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of Western Australia Aboriginal Corporation has been allocated $171,649 to expand its Make it Real project, which addresses unethical practices in the Indigenous product market.
The not-for-profit Aboriginal organisation acts as the peak body for regional and remote Aboriginal art centres and plans to use the funding to support the development, integration and testing of barcoding technology and branding to protect indigenous artists.
Tom-Price based Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation will use its $83,690 grant to expand its Containers for Change operations across the region.
The funding will allow it to include new bag drop sites in Marble Bar, Nullagine, Paraburdoo, Jigalong and Auski Tourist Villages, as well as increase container storage space and the installation of a semi-automated counting machine at the Tom Price depot.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“I’m delighted to announce the latest Pilbara RED Grants, reflecting the Cook Government’s commitment to economic diversity and job creation in the region.
“Red Dog Renewables’ electric vehicle maintenance hub will not only provide essential services for tourists and local businesses but also promote sustainability in the Pilbara.
“The funding allocated to Pilbara Physiotherapy’s allied health hub will greatly benefit the local community, ensuring accessible health resources for all.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“These grants represent a significant step forward for the Pilbara, and I thank the Cook Government for supporting projects that will have such a positive impact on our region.
“All initiatives reflect our commitment to driving diversified employment opportunities in the Pilbara and improving lives and fostering growth in the region.”
Successful Round 6 RED Grant recipients Pilbara
Grant Applicant | Project | Grant Amount |
Red Dog Renewables | Empowering the Pilbara: Accelerating the Adoption of Renewable Powered Electric vehicles | $ 250,000 |
Pilbara Physiotherapy Pty Ltd | Pilbara Therapy Services Expansion | $ 250,000 |
Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of Western Australia Aboriginal Corporation | Make it Real: Aboriginal Visual Arts Product Development and Enhanced Market Participation | $ 171,649 |
Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation | Ashburton Aboriginal Cor oration Containers for Change Expansion | $ 83,690 |
