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Rural Economic Development Grants

Program information

The RED Grants Scheme has committed almost $20 million over six funding rounds since 2018. An additional $3.3 million was made available for the seventh funding round, with $400,000 of the funding allocated to First Nation agribusinesses

Round Seven expressions of interest (EOI) opened on 26 September 2024 and closed on 22 November 2024. 

QRIDA led a competitive selection process for the grants, with successful EOI applicants invited to submit a full application. Key application dates can be found below.

Grants were available for up to $200,000 with a 50 per cent cash contribution requirement from applicants to fund projects which provide unique opportunities to generate economic and employment opportunities related to primary production value chains across rural and remote Queensland.

Example projects eligible under the scheme could include:

• improved business processes where such investment creates employment

• training costs and technical support that are project specific.

Read the guidelines for more information.

Key dates

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administers the RED Grant Scheme on behalf of the Department of Primary Industries.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for funding projects must: 

a) generate jobs, provide value for money and significant economic benefit to a relevant rural area

b) be related to primary production value chains.

How can funding be used?

Grants may be used for activities including, but not limited to:

a) capital expenditure on buildings, plant and equipment for the exclusive use of the project 

b) new or used plant and equipment for the exclusive use of the project 

c) consumables used for the project 

d) travel and accommodation where supported by a full itinerary and travel outcomes 

e) training costs and technical support that are project specific 

f) salary and on-costs for staff and professionals working solely on activities for the funded project.

What can funding not be used for?

Grants may not be used for the following activities: 

a) funding a project activity which has already commenced 

b) repairing or replacing existing capital infrastructure 

c) making payments towards debt 

d) purchasing land 

e) undertaking training and paying professional costs which are not related to the eligible project activity being applied for 

f) conducting feasibility studies 

g) paying administration costs.

How to apply

To be considered for a grant you needed to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) Form by the EOI closing date of 22 November 2024.