New incentives to help small towns grow

Published on 27 February 2024

Moyne Shire Council will launch a new grant program aiming to incentivise people to build homes in the shire’s smaller towns.

The Small-Town Incentive Grant will provide 10 eligible applicants up to $2,000 when they build or relocate a home to a township within Moyne Shire with a population under 500 people, using suitably zoned land.

Mayor Cr Ian Smith said the grant could be used to help people establish their new homes.

“It might be things like getting plans drawn, installing wastewater systems, establishment of driveways and fencing or installation of solar panels,” he said.

“The aim of this grant is to help unlock existing vacant lots in our smaller townships and encouraging growth in those communities.

Cr Smith said new builds or relocations in Caramut, Garvoc, Kirkstall, Hawkesdale, Macarthur, Panmure, Peterborough and Woolsthorpe would be eligible.

“There’s an eligibility criteria that includes ensuring the proposed build is within the township boundary and already appropriately zoned along with a few other key areas,” he said.

“This is a great way to help encourage people to look at our smaller towns, where land is affordable and in good supply, there are good access to services and a strong sense of community.”

Eligibility information and details on how to apply will be available soon, with grants open until the funding is exhausted.