Rural agricultural business with the opportunity to share in $10m worth of grants to help fund job-creating projects across the state have until July 10 to submit their interest.
Applications are open for a third round of the Palaszczuk Government’s job-creating Rural Economic Development (RED) grants, which are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority.
Co-contribution grants of up to $250,000 are available for food and agricultural businesses to support ‘shovel-ready’ projects that create jobs for value added primary production and provide significant economic benefits to rural and regional communities.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said across round one and two, 28 businesses received $6.32 million under the RED Grants program over the past two years.
Overall these 28 projects are expected to create 1,200 jobs across the agricultural sector in regional Queensland.
“There have been some truly innovative and forward-thinking shovel-ready projects able to come to life across the state,” Mr Furner said.
“Blistering summer heat impacting vegetable crops in the Lockyer Valley has forced a grower to invest heavily in climate control infrastructure to ensure they can meet demand and grow their work force.
“In North Queensland, at Marilyn Harbour, a barramundi farm will triple production when they build an intensive barramundi nursery capable of housing one million fish a year.
“In Emerald, plans to reinvent old school butcher values while introducing a boutique supermarket and meat hub to the rural town will depend on up to 24 full time workers in a range of new roles.
“These are just some of the projects able to get off the ground with a RED Grant and now is the time for other rural business to secure their interest in the third round of the program.”
Mr Furner said to be eligible to apply for round three, applicants must propose an agricultural supply chain project based in regional Queensland that would generate economic growth and local jobs.
“This is a critical time for the Queensland economy and we have provided unprecedented support for Queensland businesses over the last few months,” Mr Furner said.
“Job-creating initiatives like our RED grants are critical as we implement our plan to Unite and Recover Queensland Jobs.
“I have visited quite a few of the businesses that have received RED grants in rounds one and two, and all of them are preparing for an exciting future of business growth and more jobs.”
The RED Grant program is funded for a total of $10 million over three years.
Expressions of interest for round three close at midnight on 10 July, 2020.
For more information on the RED Grants including program guidelines, round one and two successful applicant stories and the Expression of Interest form, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au/current-programs/redgrants or Freecall 1800 623 946.
Source : Queensland – QRIDA
