Budget boost for mobile and broadband in the regions
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The 2022-2023 WA State Budget will include an investment of $48.6 million to improve mobile and internet coverage in regional areas of Western Australia.
Minister for Regional Development, Alannah MacTiernan MLC, made the welcome announcement about the new WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program last week.
The program will progress solutions to bridge the ‘digital divide’ in the regions, including new mobile base stations and fixed wireless infrastructure, upgrading the capacity and performance of existing telecommunication assets, trialling new technologies, and improving connectivity for disadvantaged communities.
Read the Minister’s statement here.
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Grants add value to food, beverage and agribusiness
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A new round of the Value-Add Investment Grant program is now open, with up to $7 million in funding available for food and beverage manufacturers and agribusiness value-add processing in WA.
Managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the program supports agriculture, food and beverage businesses to invest in expansion or relocation of their manufacturing operations in WA.
It also supports the planning of expansion projects through feasibility study grants.
There are two funding types available, including a Capital Investment Stream (closing 22 June) for the provision of funds towards capital investment projects to expand, diversify or relocate operations in WA.
The other is a Feasibility Stream (closing 8 June) for financial support to assist businesses with planning, feasibility and other de-risking activities to support future capital investment decisions.
Applicants can apply for individual grants ranging from $30,000 to $750,000.
For more information and to register for the free information webinar click here.
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Rare Earths processing facility set to start construction
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GEDC CEO Kris Starcevich recently attended the sod-turning ceremony at Lynas Rare Earths’ new processing facility in Kalgoorlie.
Local stakeholders met with the Lynas team and were taken on a tour of the site where the facility will take shape.
Lynas will process rare earth concentrate from its Mt Weld mine near Laverton, which is one of the world's highest-grade rare earths deposits and the largest outside of China.
The new facility will create 290 construction jobs and up to 128 operational jobs.
Lynas has committed to supporting Aboriginal employment, using local trades, and building material suppliers during the construction phase.
Mr Starcevich said: "This major project supports our region’s local economy and will strengthen the State’s critical minerals sector."
Pictured: Hon. Bill Johnston, the Minister for Mines and Petroleum, and Amanda Lacaze, managing director of Lynas Rare Earths.
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Another ‘Hole-in-One’ for the Goldfields
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The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder hosted another successful WA PGA Championship from the 21-24 April, which saw Jay Mackenzie from New South Wales’ north coast secure the victory.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder provides a unique outback experience on the PGA tour.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of Kalgoorlie-Boulder hosting the event, broadcast live across Foxtel, Kayo and Sky Sports New Zealand for the first time.
The Family Fun Day and Community Golf Clinics were well attended by the community and provided an opportunity for local (particularly junior) players to learn and be inspired by some of Australia’s best golfers.
GEDC Director Chelsie Grace attended the Champions Ceremony and said there was a fantastic atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.
The WA State Government is a supporter of this event through the Regional Events Scheme.
Administered by Tourism WA, the scheme was established to support small and emerging events in regional Western Australia.
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Digital Transformation in Mining Event
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The combined mining equipment, technology and services (METS) and mining sectors is one of the largest economic drivers in Australia, with significant economic impact for the Goldfields-Esperance region.
The Digital Transformation in Mining workshop on Friday, 6 May will provide information on future opportunities in this sector, including cross-discipline collaboration and how potential digital transformation projects can help tackle challenges within the mining industry.
Hosted by the WA School of Mines (WASM) at Curtin University’s Kalgoorlie Campus, this event offers an opportunity to connect and work with Innovation Central Perth (ICP) and will feature subject matter experts, academic and industry leaders, as well as student interns.
You can also find out about a fully funded project opportunity to work with ICP and WASM to digitise a manual process within your organisation.
Registrations and more information are available here.
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State-Wide Panel Contract for Traffic Management Services
Main Roads WA is looking for suitably qualified organisations to apply for the provision of Traffic Management Services throughout Western Australia specifically in the Goldfields-Esperance region. Please contact David Azzam – Consultant on 0438 951 076 for further details. Applications close on Wednesday 11 May 2022.
Upgrade North Kalgoorlie Volunteer Fire Service Facilities
The Department of Finance seeks a suitably qualified and experienced business to upgrade the North Kalgoorlie VFS Facilities. These upgrades include a dedicated tunic room, BA Room, an Office and Communications Room. Please contact Scott Joy – Project Officer on 0477 777 244 for further details. Applications close on Wednesday 11 May 2022.
Construction of New Bore Headworks at Warakurna
The Department of Communities seeks a suitably qualified and experienced business for the construction of new bore headworks at Warakurna. The scope of work includes supply, installation, commissioning and handing over of about 2km bore supply main connecting two production new bores to the Warakurna community water network, two bore compounds, switchboards and associated works. Please contact David Francis on 0460 012 886 for further details. Applications close on Wednesday 11 May 2022.
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Events, Workshops & Training
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Join us for the 2022-23 State Budget Breakfast events
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The Honourable Dr Tony Buti MLA is presenting this year’s 2022-23 State Budget Breakfast events in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance.
Attend to receive a presentation from the Finance Minister about the upcoming State Government Budget and benefits for the Goldfields-Esperance region.
The events are free for all to attend, but registration by 6 May 2022 is essential. Complimentary light breakfast provided.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 13 May, 7:30am arrival at The Overland Motel: Register here
Esperance, 16 May, 7:30 arrival at Esperance Civic Centre: Register here
MEEDAC Community and Employment Expos
These events provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with employers from different industries. Find out about their entry level to experienced available positions, whilst exploring career options and meeting local organisations who can help you get the job you want. This is a free community event with lunch and refreshments provided. Bring your resume or attend a resume workshop on the day.
Norseman
5 May from 10am-1pm at Norseman Town Hall | More information
Coolgardie
11 May from 10am-1pm at Coolgardie Community Recreation Centre | More information
KBCCI: What’s Down the Track Forum
Tickets are on sale for the 2022 What’s Down the Track Forum to be held on Thursday, 17 November 2022 at the Central Regional TAFE Conference Centre. The forum provides a 12-month forecast of the drivers that support the growth and opportunities that exist within our region’s economy. Tickets can be purchased here.
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COVID-19 Cleaning Reimbursement Scheme
The State Government is offering funding on a reimbursement basis for any not-for-profit community service that holds a WA Government contract providing services to vulnerable community members. Cleaning must have been done in response to a positive COVID-19 case and reimbursements cannot be issued for an organisation’s regular cleaning services. For more information visit the WACOSS website.
Regional Small Business Support Program
The Australian Government’s RSBSP Program provides financial counselling and related services for small regional businesses facing hardship due to drought, the COVID-19 pandemic or 2019-20 bushfires. This free, confidential service provides eligible small businesses with individually tailored support to better understand financial position, connect with government programs and assistance schemes, identify long-term recovery options, implement plans to improve the viability of business and access broader professional advice and support. For more information, visit the RSBSP website.
Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST)
The Australian Government is inviting applications for the BEST program, which is intended to assist the veteran and defence communities by providing support and resources to ex-service organisation (ESO) practitioners for compensation and/or welfare advocacy. It assists ESOs by providing a contribution to the work of these practitioners and does not fully fund an organisation. Applications close 11 May 2022.
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The Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country across the regions in which we work, live and travel. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging; we also extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and celebrate theirs as being the oldest living continuous culture.
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