Goldfields-Esperance RED Grants support business development

Six Goldfields-Esperance businesses will receive funding towards projects that expand and diversify their operations under Round 8 of the State Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
  • Six Goldfields-Esperance projects share $635,000 in Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding in Round 8
  • The Cook Labor Government's RED Grants continue to strengthen local businesses, develop local capacity and support training pathways for employment

Six Goldfields-Esperance businesses will receive funding towards projects that expand and diversify their operations under Round 8 of the State Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.

Round 8 of the Goldfields-Esperance RED Grants program will support Goldfields-Esperance projects to deliver training, boost production and access new markets.

Kambalda based Leeson Electrical will receive a $250,000 grant to support the expansion of their operations with the creation of Silky Pear Energy. The new division to be based in Boulder, focuses on renewable energy solutions for the Goldfields region, with the construction of a dedicated workshop, featuring spaces for assembly, research and development and practical training.

Elpha Contracting, an Esperance based grain covering business, secured $100,000 for the expansion of its main operating facility, including a shed extension to create a dedicated training and administration area, growing its permanent workforce, creating more stable, year-round employment in the agricultural industry.

Pitbull Services will receive $138,000 to develop a new vehicle decommissioning facility at its existing Kambalda site.  The project will enable the safe and compliant removal, dismantling, and recycling of end-of-life vehicles.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder based Goldfields Testing Laboratory Pty Ltd has secured $43,000 to establish a local round determinate paneltesting service, a specialised quality assurance test, used to verify the performance of fibre reinforced concrete, known as fibrecrete. The product is widely used in mining operations to stabilise underground tunnels and open pit walls.

SEA Heavy Diesel, a leading heavy vehicle service provider based in Esperance, is set to increase its operations with a new heavy vehicle service bay at its existing workshop, with a REDs Grant allocation of $39,000.

Westralia Homes, based in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, has secured a $65,000 grant for new equipment and machinery to introduce a new modern slab construction method using recycled cardboard pod technology.

The RED Grants program is a WA Labor Government initiative investing $60.85 million over 11 years in locally driven projects to stimulate economic growth in the regions.

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:

"The latest round of RED Grants will support a range of local businesses to increase productivity, introduce new products and provide specialised training opportunities.

"The support will be used to diversify business operations in the mining services, renewable energy and innovation space.

"The Cook Labor Government is committed to supporting businesses to adapt and grow across regional WA."

Comments attributed to Goldfields-Esperance Minister David Michael:

"I'm proud to be part of a government that is supporting businesses in the Goldfields-Esperance region to expand and diversify their operations.

"I was lucky enough to meet two of these worthy recipients in a visit to Kalgoorlie this week and can confirm that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the region.

"I wish the recipients all the best for their innovative new ventures and hope they can become important divisions of their already-thriving businesses."

Comments attributed to Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent: 

"It's fantastic to see RED Grants empowering businesses in the region to innovate and grow, opening up new jobs and opportunities. 

"These recipients will play an important role in their community, and we're proud to celebrate their achievements."

Successful Round 8 RED Grant recipients - Goldfields-Esperance 

Grant Applicant 

Project Description 

Grant Amount 

Elpha Contracting Pty Ltd 

Roger Street Facility Expansion: The project expands the main facility with a shed extension to create dedicated training and administration space, improving equipment management and operational capacity. It supports workforce growth while strengthening the region's grain industry.  

$100,000 

Goldfields Testing Laboratory Pty Ltd 

Providing Fibrecrete Testing in the Goldfield: The project establishes a round determinate panel testing service in Kalgoorlie-Boulder to assess fibre reinforced concrete, reducing costs, turnaround times and transport risk. It expands regional testing capability by providing accredited, high quality assurance services locally,  

$43,000 

Leeson Electrical  

Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Spaces: The project establishes a renewable energy division, Silky Pear Energy, including a dedicated workshop in Boulder for solar battery solutions, research and training.  

$250,000 

Pitbull Services Pty Ltd 

Kambalda Vehicle Recovery and Recycling Project:  The project develops a vehicle decommissioning facility to safely dismantle and recycle end-of-life vehicles. It will create local jobs while reducing environmental risk and improving responsible disposal in the region.  

$138,000 

SEA Heavy Diesel 

SEA Heavy Diesel Expansion: The project will add a fully equipped service bay, including four new wireless mobile column lifts, enabling safer, more efficient diagnostics, maintenance and repair of heavy vehicles.   

$39,000 

Westralia Homes 

Construction Innovation: Waffle Pod technology: The project will introduce modern slab construction methods using recycled cardboard pod technology. This approach will significantly improve efficiency, safety and build quality while reducing construction time.  

$65,000