The Victorian Government, through a host of agencies including Regional Development Victoria, committed to making regional Victoria a great place to live, work and invest through a recent campaign.
With a boost from initiatives, including the $20,000 regional first home owners grant and the $500M Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, the aim was to entice metropolitan dwellers to make a tree or sea change.
The premise being affordable housing, strong job prospects, access to health and education services, and the laid-back nature of a regional lifestyle are touted as the main drawcards, yet the reality locally is vastly different with the suitable housing options for young professionals, growing families and those trying to get ahead by moving out of the city in short supply.
Lots of young families call Greater Shepparton home, with the proportion of couples with children almost three percent above the regional Victorian average.
There are a multitude of educational options available in Greater Shepparton including GOTAFE (two campuses), University of Melbourne Rural Health Campus and Dookie Campus, La Trobe University, six secondary schools (including private schools and more on the horizon), 26 primary schools, 27 kindergartens and 15 long day care facilities and our region’s job prospects are bright.
We certainly have the employment opportunities and education facilities drawcards but the lack of available rental and buying options in Greater Shepparton for families is just one indication of the promise of an easier lifestyle falling short of expectations. In order to support our growing population, the issue of suitable housing supply must be addressed.
