State Government’s Native Forest Transition Plan awards $10 million to 11 South West businesses

The State Government is splashing cash in the South West only weeks after the native logging ban came into effect, with 11 businesses in the region being granted a total of more than $9.5 million as part of the Native Forest Transition Plan. Six Manjimup-based businesses have been awarded nearly $4m and two operating from Pemberton have received more than $1m, while enterprises in Albany, Nannup and Warner Glen will also benefit. Bendotti Exporters, the Manjimup-based family business behind the prominent WA Chip label, has been given nearly $1.8 million to upgrade its potato processing line and storage capabilities. Director Stephen Bendotti said the grant would allow the company to grow its workforce of skilled locals. “We try to get the right local people and train them . . . we don’t rely on backpackers, you teach them and they’re gone,” he said. “It’ll get our efficiencies and our volumes up and going. We’ll probably increase by 15, 20 per cent.” Ms Jarvis said the grants represented the Government “continuing its commitment to timber communities”. “This is a new era for our South West and these significant grants will help support diversification, business growth and the creation of new jobs in the region,” she said. Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie said she was “proud to be part of a Government that is investing in new industries in our community”. ““From tourism to agriculture, these grants will help support local jobs and lay the foundations for a more sustainable future,” she said. The Government says the Native Forest Transition Plan will invest a total of $80m in timber communities over its lifespan. 26 other business in the region also shared in funding totalling $2 million as part of Community Small Grants Fund under the Plan last year, with a second round of the program slated to open in the coming months.