Excellent response to Royalties for Regions scheme - 31 March 2009
The South West Development Commission is rewriting its history books after receiving a record number of applications through a grants program.
Almost 200 applications were received from organisations wishing to share in the $3.5 million in contestable funding available through the South West Regional Grants Scheme.
The scheme is an initiative of Royalties for Regions and was launched in February by Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls. Applications closed on Wednesday March 25.
South West Development Commission chief executive Don Punch said support for the scheme had been excellent.
“The response to the grants scheme was overwhelming with the South West Development Commission receiving 191 applications requesting about $58.1 million in grant funds.
“The scheme has attracted some diverse and really imaginative projects from right across the region.”
Minister Grylls said the grants scheme was designed to fund projects that help attract investment and increase jobs or improve the quality of life in regional WA.
“Given the response we have had I am encouraged to see so many diverse groups applying for funding,” he said.
“The South West Development Commission board has the difficult task in determining the allocation of the funds.”
Mr Punch said now that the applications had been received the next step was to carry out the assessment and approvals process.
The Commission’s board will approve applications up to and including $250,000. Applications up to $500,000 will require board and Ministerial approval and grants over $500,000 will require Cabinet approval.
It is expected that successful applicants will be announced in June.
…ENDS
Media contact:
Teneille Watson
Community Relations Officer
M: 0417 961 051