Flinders Shire Council is selling land in the outback Queensland region at record low prices in a bid to boost local affordable housing options.
Council says it is bucking the trend of record house price increases across Australia by releasing 48 affordable blocks of land for sale in the townships of Hughenden, Prairie, and Torrens Creek to help drive population and economic growth in the Shire.
The blocks of land are flat and range in size from 809m2 to 1.303 hectares, and will be sold via auction online by Grays.com between 10-13 February.
Council will also be offering housing grants of $5,000 to eligible applicants, as well as other grants offered by State and Commonwealth governments for which house buyers may be eligible.
Flinders Shire Council Mayor, Jane McNamara said the blocks will suit a variety of people wanting to take advantage of affordable land and housing opportunities in the region.
“The 48 blocks of land for sale offer an incredible opportunity for people to invest in building affordable housing,” she said.
“Whether you’re looking to retire and need an affordable home base for travel, are a young person or have a young family looking to own your first home, or an investor wanting high returns on investment, these blocks of land will suit you.
“The blocks are flat and serviced, meaning they allow for easy and cheaper construction, and are in close proximity to supermarkets, medical and aged care facilities, three schools, a recreational lake, an early learning centre, parks, and community swimming pool.
“The large size of the blocks means you will be able to enjoy the wide, open spaces that the region has to offer. Flinders Shire is located within an easy drive to Charters Towers and Townsville.
“It will be hard to find a better deal anywhere in Australia.”
Mayor McNamara said the land sales form part of Flinders Shire Council’s commitment to support an increase in the supply of housing in the region to improve workforce retention and attraction.
She said rental and housing demand in the region was being driven by a number of factors including:
- a renewable energy hub, supported by the Queensland Government’s $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan;
- manufacturing and transport;
- a pipeline of major projects such as Flinders Magic grape farm, CopperString, Windlab stage 2.0, Mount James Wind Farm, and the North West Minerals Province;
- established cattle and agricultural businesses and the supporting service industry;
- tourism growth;
- economic activity within the region;
- a record number of new businesses.
“For a small town, there is enormous opportunity with new growth horizons,” Mayor McNamara said.
“Both our traditional industries such as cattle, rail, transport and tourism, and new industries such as renewable energy have strong growth prospects.
“The affordability of land, combined with career opportunities available in these industries and the lifestyle our region has to offer, makes investing in the Flinders Shire a very enticing opportunity for both home buyers and rental investors alike,” she said.
For more information on the blocks of land for sale and to register to be part of the auction, visit Grays.com.