There will be 23 projects that are to be funded by the Goldfields-Esperance Regional Grant Scheme.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said that it was very pleasing to see a positive response to the first round of the Royalties for Regions with funding applications from a broad range of community, government and business groups.

One of the recipients of the funds is Esperance Regional Forum (ERF) which has received $108,208.25.

The local community group provides a forum for natural resource management and sustainable agriculture in the Esperance.

ERF regional community engagement officer, Ian Hartley, said he was “ecstatic” when he heard about the funding.

“This is the third time we have put in for funding and we are so lucky to receive it,” he said.

The funds will be used to assist with the Lake Warden Water Balance Flow Barrier Project.

“The funds will be used to mitigate flooding. When we have a large inundation event, water can’t flow back into Lake Warden,” Mr Hartley said.

Esperance Shire chief executive officer, Mal Osborne, has welcomed the news.

“It’s great news and there are some great projects that will be funded.

“It is terrific news to see CT Scanner get $246,000 which will enable the project to be fully funded,” he said.

Mr Osborne said that Royalties for Regions was “hitting the mark.

“The money is coming through and it already has delivered much funding to many regional areas.”

More than 320 projects throughout regional Western Australia will receive funding from the scheme.

Eyre MLA Graham Jacobs was thrilled with the announced funding.

“I am particularly pleased to be able to announce the support for the much needed CT Scanner which has vindicated the community’s effort, as well as support for our iconic tanker jetty,” Dr Jacobs said.

Member for Mining and Pastoral Wendy Duncan said: “It is great news to see these funds being allocated to projects that will assist in attracting investment, increasing jobs and helping to improve the quality of life for people living in the regions.”