$3.3 million boost for ag sector in new round of RED Grants
8 February 2024
Rural businesses across Queensland’s primary production sector can now submit an expression of interest (EOI) for round six of the Queensland Government’s successful Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants scheme.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the co-contribution grants of up to $200,000 would continue to strengthen primary production sectors and bolster jobs in rural and regional communities.
“Since the first round in 2018, our Government’s RED Grant scheme has committed almost $20 million towards Queensland’s agricultural sector and created more than 3,200 new direct and indirect jobs,” Minister Furner said.
Minister Furner said the new round, worth $3.3 million, will generate jobs, expand agricultural supply chains and provide significant economic benefit to rural areas.
“After seeing the tremendous jobs growth and economic benefits the RED Grants have generated to date, it was a no-brainer for this Government to continue investing in rural communities and agricultural businesses that thrive as a result of this scheme,” Minister Furner said.
“Currently, projects funded under round five of the RED Grant scheme are underway, including a North Queensland mixed beef, cane and horticulture operation that is building on-farm accommodation for up to 50 workers, and a Sunshine Coast nursery constructing a micropropagation laboratory to grow at-risk marine plant species,” Minister Furner said.
“With a six-year track record of empowering rural and regional economies to flourish, these $200,000 co-contribution grants are creating a positive ripple effect throughout entire communities.”
Grant funding may be used for activities such as capital expenditure on buildings, plant and equipment, as well as consumables used for the project.
It may also be used for training costs and technical support for specific projects, as well as salary and on-costs for staff and professionals working on activities for the funded project.
EOIs for the sixth round of the RED Grant scheme will close on 28 March 2024. Successful EOIs will be advised by 17 May 2024 and then be invited to submit a full application by 21 June with final grants awarded from 16 August 2024.
“I encourage all interested Queensland rural businesses across the primary production value chain to submit an expression of interest for Round Six of the RED Grants,” Minister Furner said.
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administers the RED Grant scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
For more information, visit the RED Grant page.
