Local governments in Western Australia's Great Southern region will receive State Government grants to upgrade their streetscapes, roads and lighting.

WA Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls, announced the creation of the Great Southern Town Centre Enhancement Program (GSTCEP), which is an initiative of the Great Southern Development Commission (GSDC).

The $1million grant program will help councils enhance town centres with better landscaping, roads, paths, gardens, lighting and signs.
 
The program offers up to 50 per cent of design costs to a maximum grant of $30,000 and up to 50 per cent of the cost of on-site works to a maximum grant of $150,000.
 
Mr Grylls said the program would allow local governments to “present a new face visitors and bolster local pride”.
 
“Programs run through the GSDC are already bringing new life to towns in the region, for example the park and tourist railway projects in Kojonup, or the Hidden Treasures program that helps small rural communities attract visitors,” he said.
 
Applications for the new funding program must be submitted to the GSDC by Friday, March 4.  Eligible projects should fit within the framework of a council-endorsed strategic plan and be achievable by June 30, 2012.