REGIONAL RELOCATION GRANT - A BIG BONUS
The seven cities behind the Evocities project - a major campaign encouraging Sydney residents to live, work and invest in one of the cities - has welcomed the State Government's new Regional Relocation Grants program.
Sydney families who relocate their homes from the city to regional NSW will receive a $7,000 grant from 1 July. The grant will be payable after selling a Sydney home and buying another as a principal place of residence in regional NSW up to the value of $600,000.
Evocities spokesperson, James Treloar welcomed the Grants as a welcome boost to an already successful campaign.
"We have seen more than 85,000 visits to the Evocities websites and some 1,200 genuine enquiries about relocation. And while we had allowed 12 months for people to make the big decision to relocate, we have seen some 200 relocations already with another 400 considering a move within the next year.
"We have been asked about incentives to relocate, and now we're excited to be able to answer with this most welcome initiative. There's no doubt $7,000 will make a significant difference to the cost of relocating to an Evocity," said Mr Treloar.
"The cities are delighted that the NSW Government is supporting population growth outside Sydney and we will continue to promote our cities as great destination to live, work and invest."
Evocities launched in September 2010 with the message that a move to an Evocity is a city change where a quality life awaits and a wide range of opportunities exist for personal and professional growth. The seven Evocities are Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.
"We would also encourage the NSW Government to consider at some stage extending the Grants to people relocating from Sydney who are not currently homeowners. We are aware of a considerable number of potential homebuyers who are currently priced out of the Sydney market. Each of the Evocities offers quality, affordable housing which we believe would make our cities very attractive to this group," Mr Treloar said.
