South West businesses given grants as Cook Government invests $2 million into transforming timber towns

Dozens of local business and community groups will share in $2 million in grants as part of the State Government’s Native Forestry Transition Plan. In all, 27 local organisations have been named in what is planned to be the first round of funding following the decision by the State Government to end sawmill access to native timber. Provided through the Government’s Community Small Grants Fund, recipients include Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Nannup Medical Centre, Blackwood Youth Action and Manjimup Seventh-day Adventist Church. Some of the projects to be funded include upgrading lighting at the Manjimup Speedway, repairing the Manjimup and Bridgetown Repertory Theatres, public works to support visitors and events in Greenbushes, and expanding residential care housing in Manjimup. The CSGF forms part of the $80 million Native Forestry Transition Plan with eligible businesses and organisations able to apply for grants of up to $100,000 for projects intended to stimulate the economy. The round of local grants were announced by Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis and Member for Warren-Blackwood Jane Kelsbie at the Manjimup Speedway on Friday morning. Minister Jarvis said she hoped the funding would help the South West become a more liveable and prestigious tourist destination through the grants. “This investment by the Cook Government will help build on the South West’s reputation as a premier tourist destination as well as enhance livability,” she said. “Congratulations to all the small businesses and community groups who successfully applied and received a grant.” Ms Kelsbie said the funding would be beneficial to many projects in different towns in the South West region, and encouraged interested applicants to consider going for the second round of funding. “This funding will help support so many important projects in the South West, including the expansion of an edible snail growing business in Manjimup, the expansion of a medical centre in Nannup, and the installation of public facilities at an outdoor community space in Greenbushes,” she said. “Applications for the second round will open later in the year and I encourage anyone interested in applying to start considering their submission.”