NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Andrew Stoner today announced changes to the NSW Government’s Regional Relocation scheme as part of ongoing efforts to drive growth and employment in regional areas.
Under the changes, additional funding will be delivered to continue the successful $10,000 Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive, which is tied to secure full-time employment over two years.
“The NSW Government is committed to attracting an economically active demographic to regional NSW as part of its efforts to drive employment and business growth,” Mr Stoner said.
“Since it was introduced earlier this year, the Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive has helped attract a broad range of professions to regional NSW, including doctors, architects, real estate agents, engineers, mining and farming workers, chiropractors, optometrists, teachers and police officers.
“Three-quarters of recipients of the Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive have been under 40 years of age. These people have taken up jobs or set up their own businesses in regional NSW, making a direct contribution to the local economy.
“It is estimated the continuation of the skills incentive will help deliver 85 successful job seekers or business operators and their families to regional NSW per month,” he said.
Mr Stoner said the changes would see the Regional Relocation Homebuyers Grant abolished, effective from September 30.
“The Regional Relocation Homebuyers Grant – which has no direct tie to employment – has not been as successful as the Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive in stimulating growth and employment in regional NSW and therefore it will not be continued,” Mr Stoner said.
Mr Stoner said the NSW Government is committed to its Decade of Decentralisation policy and is carrying out research into attitudes towards relocating to regional NSW to help inform its future decentralisation efforts.
“We have also made solid progress towards our 2021 target of 1,500 public sector positions to be relocated to regional NSW and are currently developing a regional economic development strategy to position our regions for long-term growth.
“We also recognise the availability of world-class infrastructure and services is essential to attract more people, businesses and investment to the regions.
“That’s why we are delivering more than $13 billion for regional infrastructure projects, with even more in the pipeline,” he said.
Legislative changes will be introduced before the end of the year to reflect changes to the Regional Relocation Grant scheme.