At a time when the concept of ‘no free lunches’ has assumed almost religious proportions, the offer of anything free might well be regarded with some suspicion. However, the offer of free land at Mathoura, in Murray Shire in southern NSW, is neither a trick nor a mere publicity stunt.
Like many country towns suffering stagnant growth, with banks and other services closed, a group of concerned residents approached Council to consider what could be done to redress the situation.
The Mathoura Investigative Development Group, set up to examine the possibilities, arrived at a scheme offering free Council owned land as an incentive for people to come and build in the district. The idea is based on a similar scheme in Western Australia.
The proposal has proved highly successful having attracted widespread publicity in an era of ‘user pays’. An Open Day held in September attracted 500 visitors who were treated to rural hospitality and entertainment as they viewed the picturesque district.
Subsequently, some 1,200 enquiries were received and 110 applications for the land lodged. Council is now in the final stages of processing applications for the 26 quarter acre residential blocks on offer. Greg Murdoch, General Manager of Murray Shire said that the scheme has had many positive benefits.
“Many visitors were pleasantly surprised at what we have to offer,” he said. “Rather than seek free land, several decided to purchase properties already on the market.”
Successful applicants for the 26 blocks are required to pay associated legal fees and must commence building within 12 months. While there has been some concern about whether local infrastructure can cope with the influx of new residents, the Shire is confident it can meet demand. Council Officers expect to finish processing applications and announce the successful new landowners by the end of this year.
For further information contact Greg Murdoch, telephone (03) 5884 3302.
