Organisations to expand and diversify thanks to federal grants
Four organisations in the Herbert electorate will share in more than $1.2 million worth of funding to expand and diversify as part of ongoing recovery support programs following the 2019 floods.
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said the Economic Diversification Grants program would support a sporting club, two tourism operators and a food processing plant in Townsville.
“We know our city is still feeling the effects of the 2019 flood event which is why we’re investing in local small businesses and organisations to help them grow and thrive, and create local jobs,” Mr Thompson said.
“Fruit processing business Simsha does a fantastic job sending out our local produce to the nation, and this investment will help them build a larger plant to process fruit that otherwise wouldn’t be able to be sold.
“Meanwhile Drive to Ride will be able to help more tourists get out and about enjoying our beautiful region, while Ian Moody Sportfishing Charters will build a new vessel for offshore fishing charters and operate year-round.
“We’re also supporting the Arcadian Surf Lifesaving Club to complete the final stage of its Alma Bay Clubhouse renovation and extension, meaning the facility will be fully funded by the Australian Government.
“A second round of the Economic Diversification Grants will open next year so I would encourage any local businesses who are looking to expand to start putting together their proposals.”
Across North and North West Queensland, 15 projects have received funding under this round of the grants program and will receive between $10,000 and $500,000 to diversify existing industries or start new ones.
The Economic Diversification Grants program is one of five programs funded from the Australian Government’s $60 million package to support the long-term recovery of the 14 Local Government Areas hardest hit by the 2019 North Queensland Monsoon Trough.
The grants are being administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA). Further information is available on their website: www.qrida.qld.gov.au/program/north-queensland-economic-diversification-grants
For more information about the Australian Government’s ongoing support initiatives for communities affected by the 2019 North Queensland floods, please visit: www.recovery.gov.au/flood-recovery.
Projects funded in the Herbert electorate:
Organisation | Project | Grant amount |
Simsha | Larger plant for processing freeze-dried fruit that is not of marketable quality | $400,000 |
Arcadian Surf Lifesaving Club | Alma Bay Clubhouse Redevelopment Magnetic Island | $359,416 |
Drive to Ride | Tourism service for vehicle transport for mountain bikers etc. to undertake longer rides | $336,282 |
Ian Moody Sportfishing Charters | Charter Boat Business Expansion inc. offshore and all weather trips | $110,000 |
ENDS
