The Carnamah and surrounding communities in Western Australia will receive a boost from new business in October 2000. The town of Carnamah is situated in the North Midlands about 300 kilometres north of Perth and about 100 kilometres from the coast.
Using funds provided by the Federal Government, the Shire of Carnamah has constructed three factory units to attract small business.
Senator Ian Macdonald, Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, provided $100,000 towards the project. Additional funding of $40,600 was obtained under the Regional Assistance Programme from the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business.
To complement the factory units, the Shire raised additional funds to build three residential dwellings that are offered at concessional lease rentals.
Faced with the lack of industrial facilities to attract industry to the Shire, the project was developed to allow for the introduction of services previously unavailable in the area, and create favourable conditions to foster business.
The aims of the project are to provide employment opportunities, attract small industry to Carnamah for specialist services, promote small business development and boost the local economy.
An established engineering business specialising in steel fabrication is to move into one of the units in October. Councillor Lynton Sunders, Chairman of the Factory Units Committee said the move was the first of several businesses needed to broaden Carnamah’s economic base.
The development of new services and employment in Carnamah will create additional business activity in the area, encouraging business commencements, investment, and expansion in the Shire.