Essential Services Funding Available

The Mid West Development Commission is encouraging local organisations and businesses to apply to access State Government funding to help make planned projects a reality.

Regional businesses, Local Government and community organisations may be eligible for assistance with the cost of connecting projects to essential services including electricity, water and sewerage through the State Government’s Regional Headworks Program (RHP).  The latest round of funding was announced recently by the Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Jon Ford.

Development Commission Chief Executive Officer, Steve Douglas says the RHP recognises that often connecting to services in regional areas can be quite expensive.

“This program is specifically designed to encourage investment in regional areas by providing equitable access to essential services”, Mr Douglas said.   

“Many businesses people are surprised to learn that private enterprises are eligible for this funding, but the program is design to stimulate development including business development in regional Western Australia.”

The RHP is one of five programs within the State’s Regional Investment Fund and is administered by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development.

Projects which satisfy the schemes essential criteria are eligible to apply for funding ranging from $5,000 to $200,000.

In the recent round of funding two Mid West projects were awarded grants of $200,000 through the program.

Local business West’s Glass secured funding to upgrade power to enable the establishment of a toughened glass manufacturing facility in the region and the Shire of Mingenew will use the grant for the Ernest Street Industrial subdivision.    

Applications for the current round will be accepted until Monday the 9^th of June 2008. Guidelines are available at www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/FinancialAssist/RIF.   People interested in applying can also contact the Mid West Development Commission on 9921 0702.