Local MP Darren Chester says he’s not surprised by the surge in interest in moving to Gippsland among Melbournians living with coronavirus restrictions.
Mr Chester said the increase number of people working and studying remotely now has many reconsidering their city lifestyle.
“We’ve seen how quickly businesses used technology to enable their staff members to work remotely during the first coronavirus lockdown,” Mr Chester said.
“Continuing to invest in infrastructure, particularly our telecommunications network, is essential if we are going to sell a new life in Gippsland to city commuters.
“Projects such as the Gippsland rail upgrade and the Princes Highway duplication will increase connectivity and speed up travel times between our region and the city and are key to convincing more people to shift here.
“This change in thinking among people living in Melbourne supports the case for more businesses and government agencies to decentralise their operations and help revitalise our regional communities.”
Research from real estate listing website Domain has revealed that views per listing for the region of Gippsland/Latrobe jumped by more than 50% to the end of the July.
The Gippsland town generating the most interest was Port Albert, which saw an increase of 161% for views per listing compared to last year.
Mr Chester said it was an ideal time for regional areas like Gippsland to capitalise on the increased number of people working from home and sell the benefits of a country lifestyle.
“I’m not surprised more people are looking to leave the city behind and make a new start in Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“The region offers magnificent scenery, great amenities and space for families to grow and enjoy our natural assets.
“Gippslanders are fortunate to have access to beaches, lakes, mountains, bushland and attractive regional centres and smaller towns.
“The question should be: why would you not want to live and enjoy Gippsland?”
