The Peel region has been announced as a major winner of the state government's latest cash handout through their Regional Economic Development (RED) grants program.
Several Peel-based projects that focus on either driving new tourism opportunities or diversifying local agriculture will share in $855,000.
Among the beneficiaries were Mandurah Boat and Bike Hire, Mandurah Cruises, Dwellingup's Forest Heritage Centre, ManukaLife Pty Ltd and Capogreco Farm.
West Australian regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan invited business owners, dignitaries and the media onto a Mandurah Cruises boat on Friday morning, to announce and congratulation the local recipients.
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Among attendees was Mandurah MP David Templeman and Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke and representatives from the City of Mandurah and the Shires of Murray, Waroona, Serpintine-Jarradale and Boddington.
"What we've been very keen to do is to ensure we in the development commission have that ability to go out and work with industry and drive economic opportunity," Ms MacTiernan told attendees.
"We know that strategically placed government investment can help drive the creation of new businesses and we're very conscious that we absolutely need to diversify our economy here in Western Australia.
"The Peel Development Commission really is going to be getting the elephant stamp for this year, for the best series of grants for economic development.
We know that strategically placed government investment can help drive the creation of new businesses and we're very conscious that we absolutely need to diversify our economy here in Western Australia.
- WA regional development minister Alannah MacTiernan
"I think it shows that the Peel Development Commission is deeply entrenched within the community and within the business life of this region.
"I've said to [Peel Development Commission chief executive officer Andrew Ward] and to the board that they're going to have to come and give some master classes... to the other commissions to help them understand what can be achieved.
"I think it also reflects the strengthen of this region. We have got such a broad range of quality projects that we as a government can support.
"It really gives us a lot of enthusiasm."
The RED grants program is a state government initiative that invests in "community driven projects" to stimulate economic growth and development in regional WA.
The state's Royalties for Regions program has invested $23.9 million towards RED as part of the 2018-19 State Budget.
The money is shared across the state's nine Regional Development Commissions and applications are assessed on a competitive basis within each region.
The funding that was announced by the minister on Friday forms part of the first round of the grants program, which saw $6.3 million distributed state-wide.
Ms Clarke said the grants would support local jobs and open up new growth opportunities for the recipients.
"Tourism and agriculture are both incredibly important to the economic growth of the Peel region, so I am glad that these industries have both been supported through this round of the RED grants," she said.
"I'm particularly pleased that funding has gone towards improving tourism in Dwellingup - it is a beautiful part of the region that is well placed to become a major tourism hub."
Peel projects funded through the grants:
Mandurah Boat and Bike Hire
Mandurah Boat and Bike Hire will receive almost $150,000 to support its custom build of two new multipurpose tour vessels, to help attract overseas tour operators to the region.
Mandurah Cruises
Mandurah Cruises will gain $100,000 for a project to purchase a second boat for its Wild Seafood Experience tourism product, expanding their potential tourism market.
Dwellingup's Forest Heritage Centre
Dwellingup's Forest Heritage Centre will receive $135,000 for upgrades at the Jarrah Forest Lodge, to enable YHA accreditation and an increase in bookings to secure Dwellingup's future as a tourist hotspot.
ManukaLife Pty Ltd
In agriculture, ManukaLife Pty Ltd will receive more than $120,000 to trial the production of Manuka essential oil in a broad acre farming environment to determine the economic viability of commercialising the industry in Western Australia.
The opportunity to commercialise Manuka oil production in WA is an opportunity to capitalise on global demand for the product, which is currently sourced from New Zealand.
Capogreco Farm
Funding has also been allocated towards developing Capogreco Farm's export-ready cooling systems, relocating a plastic manufacturing business to Cardup and developing a paint yard in Mandurah.
Cays Engineering
Cays Paint Yard has been awarded $95,000 for the development of a paint yard at Cays Engineering to enable business growth.
Smartstream Technology Pty Ltd
Smartstream Technology Pty Ltd has received $50,000 to relocate Smartstream Technology from Kewdale to Cardup.
Follow Caitlyn Rintoul on Twitter via @caitlynrintoul or email her via caitlyn.rintoul@fairfaxmedia.com.au.