Published on Friday, 16 February 2024 at 2:52:32 PM
Funding provided through the second round of the City’s Economic Development and Marketing Grants will directly support proposals that will drive positive economic outcomes across the district.
Four exciting new initiatives focused on the local economy and long term sustainability have been awarded a total of $36,625 in funding through the City’s Commercial, Industrial and Holiday Homes differential rates.
A regional produce showcase hub at Origins Market will increase market exposure and profile the number of local businesses of this type in the Busselton and Dunsborough area. This is anticipated to drive an increase in sales, leading to increased production. It will also further strengthen the reputation of the region as an excellent quality and sustainable food and beverage producing region.
Also receiving funding is #PrinceStreetBusselton, a marketing campaign designed to highlight the attraction of this boutique shopping precinct in Busselton. Using the power of social media to create awareness of #PrinceStreetBusselton, shops can use the hashtag to promote their goods and services and shoppers can view what's on offer. The campaign will support a group of over 20 family owned and operated small businesses offering a unique shopping experience.
The third initiative to receive support is the Craft Beer Trail which will showcase the South West and encourage more visitors to enjoy new experiences focused on sustainability, world class beer and food. Trail videos will be created by a local videographer and launched in the lead up to the South West Craft Beer Festival which is being held in Signal Park, Busselton on 16 March 2024.
Demonstrating a strong sustainability focus, the final initiative to receive funding is a program to support local growers within the City of Busselton to complete a Sustainability and Organic Certification Training Program as part of the national program, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. This program aims to support the local wine industry to enhance economic benefits, whilst actively reducing its environmental impact. Longer term, the program is geared towards ensuring the longevity of the industry by increasing the capacity of wine growers and wineries within the City of Busselton to continuously improve their sustainability credentials, both in their vineyards and in their wineries.
Mayor Phill Cronin said, “It was heartening to see such a strong field of high quality applications, all focused on delivering programs specifically within the City of Busselton.”
“I am delighted to see business and industry partnering to look at creative ways to bolster the local economy through thoughtful and sustainable initiatives. I am especially impressed with their focus on long term sustainability and building momentum for the immediate, medium and longer term future.”
The above initiatives were delivered by successful applicants in Round Two of the City’s Economic Development and Marketing Grants and include Margaret River Regional Producers Association, Vault HQ on behalf of #PrinceStreetBusselton, South West Brewers Alliance in partnership with Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association and the Margaret River Wine Association.
Round Three grants open on 1 March 2024 and are open for three weeks, closing 21 March 2024. Enquiries are welcome by calling the Economic Development team on 08 9781 0444 or emailing economicdevelopment@busselton.wa.gov.au
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2021 - 2031) Key Themes Opportunity: A vibrant City with diverse opportunities and a prosperous economy.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
Photos provided for general use: Wine Industry – Mandatory Photo Credit to Tourism Australia.
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