Grants aim for growth in economy

Local businesses and organisations have received a share in more than $440,000 in State Government funding to promote jobs and economic growth.

Five organisations in the region received the funding as part of the $1.2 million Regional Economic Development grants round announced last month.

Vee Two, in Nannup, received $113,000 to expand the businesses to acquire manufacturing equipment to produce custom motorcycle engine parts.

Business owner Brook Henry said as the application progressed, he was pleased with the level of interest generated and the different parties’ surprise at the business’ global reputation.

Mr Henry said the grant would be used to buy a specialised machine.

“This means we will be able to supply parts to the world market in a fraction of the previous time, enhancing turnover and allowing us to employ more staff, including apprentices,” he said.

“We were fortunate to have local government, local members, school, customers and local businesses in the form of references to support our application,” he said.

“I have contacted these people personally to thank them.”

Nannup Shire Council received $100,000 towards the second stage of the Mountain Bike Park.

Shire president Tony Dean said the funding would help with the expansion of the bike trail.

“Stage one and two of the bike trail has already cost about $1.2 million,” he said.

“We spent about $800,000 on stage one, which included the construction of 24km of international quality bike trails on Forest Products Commission land in Nannup.

“Stage two, which cost about $400,000, helped us build another 8km-10km of track.”

Yelverton Protea Farm, in Busselton, received $96,776 to construct a propagation tunnel, a shade house and install automated systems to address the increased demand in the potted plant market.

Realview Holdings, in Busselton, received $70,000 to build a commercial grade kitchen for stallholders to manufacture products on site.

Bina Maya Yallingup Escape received $60,703 for an Aboriginal art gallery expansion.

The recipients were five of the 15 successful applicants this round.