Northern Grampians and Stawell’s lifestyle and career opportunities will be promoted in a new state government campaign to get Melbourne residents to move to the country.
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Member for Western Victoria and Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford launched the campaign in Ballarat on Friday afternoon.
The new campaign will encourage city dwellers to move to Stawell and find ‘A place to prosper’.
“Set among the beautiful Grampians National Park, Northern Grampians Shire is abundant with lifestyle and career opportunities,” the campaign’s website states.
“With a secure rural setting, enviable climate, realistic house prices and excellent health and community services, the area includes the towns of Stawell, St Arnaud, Great Western, Marnoo, Glenorchy, Stuart Mill, Navarre and the famous tourist town of Halls Gap.
“The strong local economy and many of the employment opportunities in the area revolve around a diverse range of industries including agriculture, tourism, wine production, gold mining, brick manufacturing and meat production.
“If you're looking for an exceptional place to raise a family or do business, the clean and green Northern Grampians Shire has all the right elements for prosperity.”
The campaign encourages potential domestic migrants to phone Northern Grampians Shire or visit its business investment promotional website.
The website covers all regions of Victoria and larger towns and cities, with promotional photos and articles for each.
Videos have also been produced, featuring business owners from Mount Franklin and Bannockburn.
The state government’s impending move to double the first home buyers grant and cut payroll tax for regional areas, along with abolishing stamp duty for properties worth up to $600,000.
Ms Pulford said the campaign was built on research showing the factors behind a relocation were affordable housing, education, health and lifestyle – with key drivers being family, social connections and employment.
“It’s got lifestyle, it’s got community and it’s affordable. Regional Victoria is ready when you are,” she said.
“We’re making it easier for regional businesses to create jobs by cutting payroll tax by 25 percent – giving some businesses the lowest rate in the country and giving everyone the chance to buy their first home.”