Five Pilbara businesses and organisations share $850,000 in regional economic development grant funding

Five Pilbara businesses and organisations will share in $846,700 of regional economic development grants which will fund projects across a diverse range of sectors. Gumala Investments has secured $250,000 to expand the iconic Karijini Eco Retreat in the Shire of Ashburton, a move expected to bolster the region’s tourism by increasing accommodation capacity within the national park. Kaos Holding WA received $150,000 to establish an upmarket cafe, while Port Hedland’s Inline Engineering Services was awarded $196,700 to upgrade its polyurethane conveyor component processing. Tjamu Tjamu Aboriginal Corporation in the Shire of East Pilbara received $125,000 to launch a civil contracting social enterprise in Kiwirrkurra, providing vital skills and jobs for the community. East-West Pilbara Rubber Recycling was granted $125,000 to help it transform and recycle mining tyres. Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson said the grants were a fundamental pillar in diversifying the North West economy and creating long-term benefits for the community. “It’s particularly encouraging to see projects that support advanced manufacturing, tourism and Aboriginal economic participation, all of which are key to building a more resilient and sustainable Pilbara,” he said. Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the investments built on the region’s “strong economic foundations” while unlocking doors for emerging industries. “The RED grants program continues to unlock opportunities across the Pilbara by supporting innovative, locally driven projects that contribute to economic diversification and regional resilience,” she said. Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said each of the five initiatives would make a real difference on the ground by improving quality of life and driving growth. “Each initiative contributes to broader efforts to diversify employment, improve quality of life and drive long‑term economic growth across the region,” he said.