The Queensland Government will inject $10 million into a new grant program to rural and regional agricultural supply chain businesses that provide local employment opportunities.
The new Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants Program was announced on Wednesday
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said job creation was a number one priority for the government and the RED scheme would be a major boost for rural and regional agribusinesses.
“As I travel around regional Queensland many producers and business operators tell me they want to take their enterprise to the next level,” Mr Furner said.
“These new grants will help them to realise that dream.”
Mr Furner said the RED program fulfilled a promise made during last November’s State election.
He said RED grants will be available up to $250,000, with a matching contribution from successful applicants.
The grants will be administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), and are expected to begin in August when QRIDA will start accepting applications.
“We specifically want to help those enterprises that add value to agricultural products, help to develop new markets, and partner with other businesses to expand job opportunities,” Mr Furner said.
“We’re also targeting those businesses that improve energy-use efficiency, including moving to renewable energy sources, and boost productivity through technologies that improve internet connectivity.”
