Premier Roger Cook visits Exmouth to announce REDs grant recipients, $1.2 million spread across Gascoyne

Projects in the Gascoyne region have received a welcome boost from the State Government after Premier Roger Cook announced Regional Economic Development recipients in Exmouth on Wednesday. A grant of $217,350 will contribute to the construction of Exmouth Early Learning Centre, which will replace the only childcare centre in the Gascoyne town, One Tree Bernice McLeod Early Learning Centre, which is closing down this year. Two new rooms will be constructed to open up another 17 childcare places, bringing the total number of places to 59. The centre will offer an out-of-school hours service and create two apprenticeship positions once the project is complete in 2025. Xantha Studio received $8000 to establish a visual design and recording facility with courses in Exmouth. Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventure Tours in Shark Bay was awarded $212,722 to expand its business and develop workers accommodation to boost cultural tourism. The accommodation will house up to eight workers and create new jobs and development opportunities for Aboriginal people in the area. In Carnarvon, Coral Coast Dental was awarded $159,000 to employ two new dentists locally. The Gascoyne Food Council will use $80,000 to improve its storage capabilities, improving shelf-life and food quality. Wooramel Pastoral Company and Warroora Station received $181,000 to improve their Outback stay accommodation and cater for larger events. Dust-off Helicopter Maintenance Services received $100,000 to maintain its turbine helicopter. Finally, ThothX Australia and Ningaloo Harvest IGA both received $50,000. ThothX will put the funds towards restoring the OTC Dish in Carnarvon and the IGA plans to install solar energy at the site. Premier Roger Cook and Regional Development Minister Don Punch made the announcement in Exmouth on Wednesday, September 25. Mr Cook said the grant funding supported initiatives helping to improve economic growth in the regions. “The Regional Economic Development grants offer a unique opportunity to diversify our regional economies and create new jobs and sustainable employment opportunities,” he said. “The WA Labor Government has invested almost $4m in 35 locally-driven projects in the Gascoyne, helping to build a better region for the local community.”