A new round of the State Government’s Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants has opened for expressions of interest.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has invited Bundaberg Region businesses with a primary production background to submit an expression of interest for round three of the $10 million program.
Ms Palaszczuk said the RED grants provided co-contributions of up to $250,000 for food and agricultural businesses to support ‘shovel-ready’ projects that created jobs related to value added primary production and provided significant economic benefits to rural and regional communities.
“Given the recent impacts of COVID-19 on agriculture and the broader Queensland economy, programs like RED Grants are continuing to support local jobs and communities, which is [a] vital step as we unite and recover,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Bundaberg Regional Council is available to assist businesses wishing to apply or find out more about the RED Grants.
Council Executive Director of Strategic Projects and Economic Development Ben Artup said, to be eligible, applicants must propose an agricultural supply chain project based in regional Queensland.
“The RED grants is a great package that provides stimulus to facilitate economic growth across all food and agricultural businesses and industries in the Bundaberg Region,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for food and agricultural businesses with a primary production background to expand and possibly diversify their business.
“We’ve seen that in the previous rounds there have been some really exciting projects that will greatly benefit, and add value to, the agricultural supply chains in our area, and Council is here and stands ready to assist anyone thinking about applying.”
Mr Artup said eligible projects could include implementing new technologies and innovations that enhance productivity, or assisting with business development and expansion.
Eligible projects must be primary production related, generate job creation, provide value for money and significant economic benefit to a rural area.
As an example, this may include projects which:
- Implement new technologies and innovations that enhance productivity including technologies to improve internet connectivity, for example agri-tech products such as robotics or mobile apps
- Add value to agricultural products, including developing new markets for value-added products
- Assist with business development and expansion through provision of technical assistance, training and other activities
- Assist businesses to achieve economies of scale by implementing collaborative business structures
- Assist businesses to become investment and export ready
- Improve energy use efficiencies, including transitioning to renewable energy sources.
- Expressions of interest for The Rural Economic Development Grant close on 10 July 2020.
Businesses wishing to apply or find out more about the RED Grants are urged to contact Helen Swanson at Bundaberg Regional Council at helen.swanson@bundaberg.qld.gov.au
