July 3, 2020
Rural agricultural businesses have been invited to apply for funding for projects covered by the State Government’s $10 million Rural Economic Development (RED) grants scheme.
Expressions of interest must be submitted before midnight on July 10.
Round 3 of RED grants, which are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, is now open.
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.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said 28 businesses received a total of $6.32 million during Rounds 1 and 2 over the past two years.
Overall these 28 projects were expected to create 1200 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 3, applicants must propose an agricultural supply chain project based in regional Queensland that would generate economic growth and local jobs.
- For more information visit the QRIDA website or freecall 1800-623-946
