Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Monday, 15 July, 2013. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

$5.432M Mooroopna housing program features $40k grant

A $40,000 grant will be available to eligible purchasers on 66 of the 1600 lots to be developed in the Mooroopna West Growth Corridor. Greater Shepparton City Council has signed an agreement with developers allowing the grants, as part of its participation in the Commonwealth $5.432 million Building Better Regional Cities Program.

"This program provides an economic boost to Greater Shepparton through the jobs it will provide for the local building industry and associated trades," said Mayor Cr Jenny Houlihan.

"The next step is to appoint a suitable building contractor, and advertisements for expressions of interests will be issued on Friday 19 July. We encourage local contractors to apply," she said.

Interested eligible purchasers will be only be able to apply for the grant after the building contract has been awarded.

Council was granted the funds last year through the Australian Commonwealth government program which aims to relieve pressure on major cities by investing in local infrastructure projects where more homes need to be built due to positive jobs and population growth.

The funding was provided to enable the construction of the public infrastructure required to allow the land to be developed. The estimated cost of the public infrastructure works is $5,432,396.

"Council is very excited that these grants are available to eligible purchasers, on a number of lots throughout the developments," Cr Houlihan said. "A couple with three children will be able to earn up to $136,580 per year to be eligible to apply."

Council signed agreements at the end of May with the developers Waranga and Finborough Terraces Realty who will manage the development of the Archers Field and Westwood Run estates. The grants will be allocated to eligible purchasers on a first-come, first-served basis, and Ethan Pty Ltd will be managing the administration of the grants.

"The funding we have received and the investment of the developers is yet more evidence of business and government confidence in Greater Shepparton's future," Cr Houlihan said. "It also highlights the important role that towns like Mooroopna play in our future, highlighting the diversity of choice that people have when looking to settle in our wonderful region."

Council expects the public infrastructure works to be completed by January 2014 and the private works completed soon after to allow titles to be released.

People wanting more information on the developments and the grant are advised to contact Ethan Pty Ltd on (03) 9830 2669, or visit their website at www.ethanproperty.com.au.

- Released 15 July 2013