More than 600 jobs will be created in regional Queensland following the latest round of funding from the State Government’s Rural Economic Development (RED) grants program.
Up to $250,000 in co-contribution grants have been awarded to fund emerging projects to develop infrastructure across the agricultural industry.
Under the second round of the program, 14 regional businesses received grant funding.
Agricultural Industry Development Minister Mark Furner said the grants will allow for new developments in grain growing operations, horticulture and meat processing.
“Some businesses will expand on infrastructure, increase sustainability and energy efficiency, or develop agtech opportunities, while others will value add second grade food product, expand into organics, or develop new systems of farming in their industries,” Furner said.
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“All the projects will create new jobs for regional Queensland. In total 169 direct full-time jobs will be created, another 183 during construction and 299 indirect full-time positions will need to be filled to make these projects come to life.”
The $10 million RED grants program provides for three rounds of funding over a three year period ending in 2021.
Funding for round three of the grants will be announced later in 2020.