Wollongong residents keen to leave town will not be able to ‘‘double-dip’’ with the state government’s regional grants scheme.
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The legislation, which was introduced into Parliament this week, promises grants of $7000 for home owners and renters who move to country NSW.
The legislation will introduce a requirement that people move at least 100 kilometres away, closing a loophole that had previously allowed some Wollongong residents to move into Shellharbour and claim the grant.
Those skilled workers who move to the country for work will be eligible for a $10,000 grant.
However, Deputy Premier and Regional Infrastructure and Services Minister Andrew Stoner said that people would not be able to receive both grants.
“The legislation I have introduced provides that only one of the grant programs can be awarded per household,’’ Mr Stoner said.
‘‘This will ensure that people do not take advantage of the scheme, while successfully awarding those who genuinely want to relocate to a regional location with a tailored incentive.’’
The grants are focused on getting people in Wollongong, Newcastle and Sydney to move to regional areas.
“The proposals being put forward are expected to enhance the appeal of regional relocation to a younger, economically active demographic,’’ Mr Stoner said.
“This includes single people and young families, who could offer much-needed skills and make an important contribution to the vitality of regional communities.’’
Mr Stoner said the legislation was expected to come into force by January 2014.
The $10,000 skilled grant would be paid in two instalments, Mr Stoner said.
The first $5000 would be paid three months after the person started work in the area and the remainder of the grant would be paid a year later.
The relocation scheme, introduced two years ago, has been criticised by Labor MPs and the business community, which saw it as encouraging people to leave a region that was already struggling.
![New grants are focused on getting people in Wollongong, Newcastle and Sydney to move to regional areas. New grants are focused on getting people in Wollongong, Newcastle and Sydney to move to regional areas.](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-fCYJja9iKCnEpjnTRSxRRL/2f15f90d-ed5e-458e-b538-4c03571c53dc.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)