- Eight Gascoyne projects receiving funding
through latest Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants
- More than $700,000 will flow into the region
- Projects span tourism, hospitality, marine
services, retail, accommodation, and local manufacturing to support regional
economic opportunities and jobs
The Cook Labor Government
is backing job creation, tourism growth and industry diversification across the
Gascoyne, with eight local projects receiving funding through Round 8 of the
Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
More than $700,000 in RED
grant funding will flow into the region to support initiatives led by local
businesses and the Shire of Carnarvon, unlocking millions of dollars in private
investment and strengthening the long-term economic resilience of Gascoyne
communities.
The projects span
tourism, hospitality, marine services, retail, accommodation, and local
manufacturing, demonstrating strong confidence in the region's economic future.
A transformative upgrade
to one of the Gascoyne's most in-demand tourism operators is among the local
initiatives.
Project CoralX2 by
Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camps will double the capacity of the Coral Bay
accommodation provider from 1,750 to 3,500 visitors per year, replacing ageing
tents with high-wind rated glamping units, adding staff accommodation and
improving ablutions and dining facilities.
The project is expected
to create up to three new full‑time roles, broaden youth and educational
tourism experiences, and more than double the business's current annual spend
with local tour operators.
The RED Grants program is
a State Government initiative that is investing $60.85 million over 11 years in
locally driven projects to stimulate economic growth and development in
regional Western Australia.
Comments attributed
to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Gascoyne is one of
Western Australia's most dynamic and unique regions and these RED Grants are
designed to support local businesses and Shires to seize new opportunities.
"These eight projects
will create jobs, attract visitors, improve essential services and drive
stronger, more diverse local economies.
"From expanding tourism
offerings in Carnarvon to improving food security in Exmouth and building
crucial workforce accommodation, these initiatives reflect the innovation and
resilience of regional businesses.
"The Cook Labor
Government is proud to back projects that deliver real, long-term benefits for
the Gascoyne community."
Comments attributed
to Gascoyne Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The Gascoyne projects
supported through these RED Grants demonstrate clear regional impact and strong
community alignment.
"These initiatives will
support local jobs, improve supply chain resilience, strengthen tourism
experiences, and encourage further investment into the Gascoyne.
"Parts of the Gascoyne
have had an incredibly challenging time due to a series of natural disasters,
and this funding to support local businesses will build on the resilience the
community has demonstrated.
"This funding also
supports projects in the region that unlock additional private capital, expand
local business capacity and improve essential workforce and community
infrastructure."
Gascoyne
Round 8 RED Grant Projects:
- Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camps - Project CoralX2 (Coral Bay)
Upgrade of accommodation and facilities to double visitor capacity, create up
to three jobs and significantly boost local tourism activity.
Grant: $150,000 - Sweet Ningaloo - Store Expansion (Exmouth & Coral Bay)
Power upgrades, commercial space renovation and new equipment to increase
artisan gelato production capacity by up to 78%.
Grant: $100,000 - Jetwave Quayside - Marina Refuelling Upgrade (Exmouth)
Installation of Exmouth Marina's first on‑water unleaded petrol facility,
improving safety, environmental performance and marine tourism efficiency.
Grant: $50,000 - Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort - Workforce Accommodation
(Exmouth)
Construction of 11 onsite staff accommodation units enabling the resort's
broader $25 million redevelopment plans.
Grant: $50,000 - Kempglaze Glass and Aluminium - Facility Upgrade
(Carnarvon)
Expansion of a local glazing and aluminium workshop, enabling increased
manufacturing, showroom improvements and up to two new jobs.
Grant: $100,000 - Shire of Carnarvon - Tourism Product Development &
Incubator Program (Carnarvon)
Purchase of a 12‑seat 4WD tour bus to expand guided tourism experiences and
support Aboriginal and emerging operators.
Grant: $115,000 - Ningaloo Harvest IGA - Storage Expansion (Exmouth)
Major increase in food storage capacity to strengthen local food security,
support peak tourism demand and create two jobs.
Grant: $50,000 - Telomac Tackle and Camping - Store Extension (Carnarvon)
Retail expansion to meet increased demand for fishing, camping and outdoor
equipment, creating two new jobs.
Grant: $111,000
