Deadline extended for RAD grants expressions of interest

The Palaszczuk Government has extended its expressions of interest deadline for the $2 million first round of its new Rural Agricultural Development grants.

The grants, of up to $200,000 per business matched by the successful applicants, will help sheep and goat enterprises, businesses along the supply chain, and businesses that use sheep and goat-derived materials in their products or activities.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the extension was to ensure that producers and businesses in communities recently hit by flooding were not disadvantaged in the expressions of interest process.

“Expressions of interest for the first round of these grants will now be accepted until July 31,” Mr Furner said.

“We know some of these communities have been hit particularly hard and we don’t want them to miss out on this support as these industries grow.

“These grants aren’t just about strengthening primary production involving sheep and goats, it’s about job growth and supporting economic development in rural areas,” the Minister said

With $2 million of funding available in round one of the scheme, the grant can be used for a range of eligible activities including, but not limited to:

• developing a new market for a product derived from sheep and goats; or
• expanding the capabilities of businesses within the supply chain for production, processing, manufacturing or selling products derived from sheep or goats; or
• providing specialised training or equipment to an eligible primary production enterprise.

“These grants will support the sheep and goat industries and related businesses to reap the benefits that have already been generated by cluster fencing in Queensland.

“More than 9,000 kilometres of fencing has been approved and 400 sheep-producing properties have been protected thanks to funding support by the Palaszczuk Government.

“Under our Sheep and Goat Meat Processing Strategy, we are striving to double the value of sheep and goat production to $150 million per year and create over 100 new jobs

“This funding will allow businesses in the industry build their capacity to better meet the needs of customers while expanding their customer base.”

ENDS

Media contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920