A NEW grants scheme will be made available to rural and regional agricultural businesses in Queensland as the Palaszczuk Government follows through on an election commitment.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said $10 million would be made available under a newly-developed Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants Program.
Mr Furner said the RED scheme would be a major boost for rural and regional agricultural businesses that work along the agriculture supply chain and provide local employment opportunities.
“As I travel around regional Queensland many producers and business operators tell me they want to take their enterprise to the next level,” Mr Furner said.
“These new grants will help them to realise that dream.”
Mr Furner said government had committed to providing the funding in the lead up to the last election.
“We are now making good on that promise.
“This initiative is another demonstration of the Palaszczuk Government working in partnership with business and industry to achieve our shared goal of a strong economy and jobs growth.”
Mr Furner said grants of up to $250,000 would be available, when a matching contribution from the successful applicant was provided.
“We specifically want to help those enterprises that add value to agricultural products, help to develop new markets, and partner with other businesses to expand job opportunities.
“We’re also targeting those businesses that improve energy-use efficiency, including moving to renewable energy sources, and boost productivity through technologies that improve internet connectivity.
“This initiative is another demonstration of the Palaszczuk Government working in partnership with business and industry to achieve our shared goal of a strong economy and jobs growth.”
