Grants up to $200,000 to support Queensland’s primary production sector undertake projects that boost production value chains and employment opportunities in rural and remote Queensland.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants
The Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants program was established in 2018 to help strengthen primary production sectors and bolster rural communities.
RED grants fund projects which provide unique opportunities to generate economic and employment opportunities related to primary production value chains across rural and remote Queensland.
Applications are open to Queensland medium-sized businesses, incorporated associations, registered cooperatives, ATSI corporations, primary producers (and representative entities), tertiary or vocational training institutions and rural LGAs.
The RED Grants Scheme has invested more than $19.2 million over five funding rounds since 2018. An additional $3.3 million has been made available for the sixth funding round.
The program has a two-stage application and selection process:
- Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Stage 2 – Full application (for invited EOI applicants)
RED Grants level of support
Grants and Co-contribution
- Grants are available up to $200,000 as a co-contribution to be matched by applicants.
Applicants can only receive one grant per round and the funded purposes must be significantly different to projects the applicant has received in past or future rounds.
RED Grants important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
RED objective
The objective of the Rural Economic Development Grants Scheme is to strengthen primary production sectors and bolster rural communities.
The scheme will achieve its objective by assisting eligible applicants to carry out projects which will create employment relating to primary production value chains in relevant rural areas.
Projects eligible for RED support
To be eligible for funding projects must:
- generate jobs, provide value for money and significant economic benefit to a relevant rural area
- be related to primary production value chains
See the guidelines for full details of eligible projects.
Activities and expenditure eligible for RED support
Grants may be used for activities including, but not limited to:
- capital expenditure on buildings, plant and equipment for the exclusive use of the project
- new or used plant and equipment for the exclusive use of the project
- consumables used for the project
- travel and accommodation, where supported by a full itinerary and travel outcomes
- training costs and technical support that are project specific
- salary and on-costs for staff and professionals working solely on activities for the funded project
Grants may not be used for:
- funding a project activity which has already commenced
- repairing or replacing existing capital infrastructure
- making payments towards debt
- purchasing land
- undertaking training and paying professional costs which are not related to the eligible project activity being applied for
- conducting feasibility studies
- paying administration costs
See the guidelines for full details of activities and expenditure eligible for RED Grants support.
Other RED Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for RED support
Applicants are eligible if they are one of the following:
- a medium sized business i.e., fewer than 200 full time employees (or 200 FTE) and not operated by a public company
- an association incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981
- a cooperative registered under the Cooperatives Act 1997
- an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cwlth)
- a primary producer
- an entity established to represent either:
- primary producers, or
- primary production enterprises
- a university in Queensland
- a tertiary education institution, or another institution or organisation that provides vocational training in Queensland
- a local government under the Local Government Act 2009
- a combination of the above
To be eligible applicants must also:
- be able provide an equal cash contribution to the grant requested
- have adequate experience or qualifications and have reasonable prospects of successfully carrying out the project
- demonstrate sound prospects for long term commercial viability
- have not received other government funding (local, state or federal) for the project activities
- have not previously received a RED Grant for a substantially similar project activity
RED Grants assessment criteria
Projects will be assessed and selected by QRIDA on considerations including:
- compliance with applicant and project eligibility criteria;
- the extent of the project creating employment related to primary production;
- the value for money and significant economic benefit generated by a project;
- the prospect of project success and long term commercial viability; and
- the remoteness of the project’s location as defined by the Australian Statistical Geography Standard.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get RED Grants?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- a viable project that meets the program’s objects by boosting primary production value chains to create jobs and other economic benefits
- a sound project plan that establishes the project’s value for money and long-term sustainability
- the experience and resources to successfully deliver the project within the agreed timeline
Eligible projects which demonstrate the highest economic benefit will be selected for funding until available funds for the round are exhausted.
Information to prepare for the RED application
Information required for the application form includes:
- annual turnover
- project timeframe
- project funding details
- projected employment creation (FTE)
- projected economic benefits
- project delivery details, including project experience/qualifications
See the application form for full details of information requirements.
Applying for RED
To be considered for a grant you must submit an expression of interest (EOI) form available from QRIDA’s website before the EOI closing date.
If your EOI is successful QRIDA will invite you to submit a full application and provide you with an application pack by mail.
Register your interest here with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Sample successful applicants in previous round
Round 4 of the RED Grants program provided over $3 million in total funding for 16 projects, expected to create more than 217 direct long-term jobs across regional Queensland.
| Business/location | Project/activity |
| CJZ Farms, Lockyer Valley | Packing and processing infrastructure improvements to help the business keep up with consumer demand for ready to eat and snacking products. The project is estimated to create up to 10 new full-time jobs in the Lockyer Valley area, with benefits flowing through the entire supply chain from truck drivers, retail and hospitality workers to rural supply stores. |
| Reck Farms, Lockyer Valley | Production line improvements with the addition of new technology enabling increased supply and better output efficiencies and market diversification for this horticultural business. The increased supply has the potential to increase employment in the local area. |
RED Grants resources
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