Mt Barker to construct Great Southern’s first equine medical and surgical facility thanks to $225k REDs grant

A Mt Barker veterinary clinic will build the first purpose-built equine medical facility in the Great Southern thanks to a $225,000 grant from the State government. Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital was one of nine recipients of the Regional Economic Development grants announced on Tuesday, with the new surgery and medical facility allowing horses to receive specialist and routine treatment close to home. James Brown, who co-owns the hospital with his partner Theresa, said they were “very proud” to start their venture into advanced horse medicine. “It (will) be so important for the people in the area that have horses, and not only horses but other livestock,” he said. “There is just such a big need for this down here. “We have many horses that have to go to Perth to get treatment, and that’s very stressful and time-consuming and it’s another drain on people’s resources. “We’re very honoured to have this and thank you for this award, and we look forward to putting our vision into practice.” The facility will include a surgical theatre, recovery box, treatment areas, lameness evaluation, pharmacy, instrument preparation area, horse stalls, and an office. The project will create an additional four full-time jobs and a trainee position. Minister for Regional Development Don Punch attended the clinic on Tuesday to present the nine successful Great Southern groups and businesses with their grants, which equalled more than $1.13 million. “Since the inception of this program, the WA Labor Government has invested more than $3.8 million dollars in 40 locally-driven projects in the Great Southern, helping to build a better region for the local community,” he said. “Congratulations to all the successful REDs recipients this year — the diverse range of Great Southern projects reflect the robust, thriving, and innovative work happening across the region.” Rockcliffe Winery received $225,000 funding for Project Innovate, installing Spinning Cone Column technology — a device that selectively removes ethanol and enhances flavour to produce low and zero-alcohol Western Australian wine. Total Ag Centre will expand their dealership thanks to a $150,000 grant, constructing a purpose-built workshop, dealership, floor space and office. The Gnowangerup Hotel will also get $150,000 for its renovation and $130,000 will go to the expansion of the Mrs Jones Cafe in Denmark. Tambal Solutions received $93,900 to provide in-house grader operator training to Indigenous clients and Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation will use its $76,900 grant to accelerate the training and deployment of its heritage services workforce. Childcare services Allosaurus and The Village Childcare service each received $40,000, for the establishment of the new Bayonet Head Early Learning Centre in Albany and expanding long day care respectively. The $1.13 million in grants is supported by the State government and the Great Southern Development Commission.