Councils join forces for $7.5m grant

All four Greater Bunbury councils want a cut of $7.5 million being offered as part of the State Government's Regional Centres Development Plan.

Bunbury, Dardanup, Capel and Harvey councils will jointly pitch to be the first four councils to win funding among eight other regional centres.

The first stage of the Royalties for Regions-funded program will focus on developing regional growth plans.

Last week's vote by the Bunbury City Council to be involved prompted the other three councils to follow suit.

Dardanup shire president Mick Bennett said all councils would equally benefit.

"Each council has something different but collectively, if we work together, we can enhance our opportunities," he said.

If the councils are unsuccessful, they will have to wait at least two years for stage two - which is subject to the success of stage one and State Government approval.

Capel shire president Murray Scott said his council did not want to miss this round.

"If we don't jump in now we won't get it and then we'll have to wait another two years, where we're not sure if it will even happen," he said.

Harvey shire president Tania Jackson said it was too early to say what the money could be spent on.

"The shires in our region have iconic industries and initiatives that are already happening - this program would only enhance those," she said.

A Department of Regional Development spokeswoman said a process would identify the order in which the growth plans would be developed.