The Pilbara Development Commission last week opened a call for expressions of interest from suitable proponents with projects that aim to expand the economic base of the Pilbara.
$12.3 million funding is available under the $30 million Royalties for Regions Pilbara Cities Economic Diversification Framework, for projects that can demonstrate an ability to deliver broader employment options, facilitate greater economic sustainability and support aboriginal employment, training and enterprise for the Pilbara.
Funding through the Economic Diversification Framework is already supporting key economic projects such as the $12.5 million Pilbara Hinterland Agricultural Development Initiative, a pilot project that is testing the use of mine dewater for growing crops for fodder and bio fuel in the region.
Pilbara Development Commission Acting Chief Executive Officer Felicity Gilbert said that while the Pilbara has grown significantly, the economy remained heavily weighted towards resource related projects.
“To be truly successful in achieving the Pilbara Cities vision we need to see a greater diversity in the type of businesses and jobs available in the region,” Ms Gilbert said.
“There are plenty of untapped opportunities in areas such as micro enterprise development, small business development, franchisee attraction and industry development that potentially can get a ‘kick start’ through the Economic Diversification Fund.”
Projects must be ready to commence in 2015 to be considered for funding. The one-off expression of interest will be used to allocate the remaining funds under the $30 million Economic Diversification Framework, part of the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
The Economic Diversification Framework is administered by the Pilbara Development Commission under the Pilbara Cities initiative. Expressions of interest will close at 5pm on Monday, 1st December 2014.
Source: Pilbara Development Commission