A LAND giveaway competition offers potential tree changers the chance to build their dream home in Avoca.
The Pyrenees Shire Council has teamed up with the Grampians Pyrenees Regional Development Board (GPRDB) to launch the competition, set to open Thursday 18 at the Royal Melbourne Show.
The district is this year's showcase region in the Grand Pavilion from September 18 to 28.
Pyrenees Shire Council chief executive officer, Stephen Cornish said the Council was excited to be part of the land giveaway – a regional marketing initiative which has proved popular before.
“In 2004 we received 2000 entries in a land giveaway promotion at Federation Square. Not only did one lucky Melbourne man win a block of land in Avoca, the increased interest in the Grampians Pyrenees resulted in substantial development for the town. We’re definitely an emerging hot spot for tree-changers.”
Mayor, councillor Lester Harris said the Avoca community was right behind the promotion.
“The Grampians Pyrenees is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Cr Harris said.
“The communities in the Pyrenees Shire are progressive and welcoming of new residents.
“Part of a recent subdivision by Council, the block of land up for grabs is prime real estate: next to the bowls and golf clubs, close to the Avoca River and a short walk to the town centre. It would be fantastic to see a home built on this land and new residents become part of the local community.”
GPRDB chair Ian Wilson said the land giveaway complemented the Board’s key marketing project for 2008.
“Each year the board is fortunate to receive funding from Provincial Victoria to conduct a major Grampians Pyrenees marketing initiative to target the Melbourne metropolitan audience,” said Mr Wilson.
“Last year was the highly publicised Win a Business competition and this year the Board has organised an impressive Grampians Pyrenees exhibit at the Royal Melbourne Show.
“The land giveaway ties in perfectly with this exhibit and, with the Show attracting around 500,000 visitors over an 11-day period, we are confident it’s going to create quite a buzz in Melbourne and beyond.”
To enter the competition, tickets can be collected from the GPRDB stand during the Melbourne Show.
The ticket must then be physically lodged at a Visitor Information Centre in the Grampians Pyrenees (St Arnaud, Stawell, Halls Gap, Ararat, Beaufort, and Avoca) before 31 January.
