Coolgardie bush foods project wins State Government support

7/11/04
A project aimed at developing a commercial bush foods and products industry in the Goldfields has been given a $79,750 boost from the State Government.
Goldfields-Esperance Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich visited Coolgardie today to announce the grant to the Nature and Agriculture Rehabilitation Association (NARA) for its Sustainable Indigenous Crop Development Trials.
Ms Ravlich said the funding would help NARA prepare business and marketing plans and provide facilities, fencing and a water supply at its trial site.
"This project has the potential to develop a viable bush foods industry in the region," she said.
"Some of the crops that will be trialled include quandong, bush tomatoes and sandalwood.
"Trials will take place on a 10ha plot west of Coolgardie with a satellite trial planned at the Kurrawang Aboriginal Christian Community.
"The project will provide training and experience in horticulture and environmental management and NARA will also build links with local education and research institutions.
"If successful, it could see the development of a new industry and create new employment and business opportunities for local indigenous people."
The Minister said the project had attracted support from organisations including the Shire of Coolgardie, the Kurrawang and Mingarwee Aboriginal Corporations, the Department of Conservation and Land Management, the Forestry Products Commission, the Centre for Management of Arid Environments (CMAE) and the Federal Government's Indigenous Co-ordination Centre.
The grant was provided through the Goldfields-Esperance Regional Development Scheme (GERDS), part of the State Government's $75million Regional Investment Fund (RIF).
Ms Ravlich said a new $80million, four-year RIF program would commence next year.
"Labor's four balanced Budgets in four years, without privatisation, have enabled substantial new investments in regional initiatives," she said.
More information about GERDS is available from the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission on 9091 1166 or at http://www.gedc.wa.gov.au/
Minister's office: 9213 6500