Less than two years ago, the Regional Australia Institute's (RAI) calls to have 11 million people living outside capital cities by 2032 were supported by big banks and businesses, with claims it would deliver a $13.8 billion economic windfall to the country.

Last year, RAI reported a surge of millennials to be leaving Australia’s capital cities for country communities.

RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the Big Movers 2023 report found an additional 54,000 millennials headed for the regions during 2016-2021 compared to the 2011-2016.

However, a serious lack in regional housing may put a dent in these ambitious plans.

Luckily, one local Western Plains shire is helping fill the gap with new residential blocks coming up for sale in the near future as it heads towards its own bold population goals.

Gilgandra Shire Council is releasing residential blocks for sale at their Aero Park Estate. These fully serviced residential housing lots, ranging from 1242m2 to 1897m2 and priced starting at $82,500. They will soon be listed with local Gilgandra real estate agents.

It is a way to attract new residents according to Mayor, Doug Batten.

“The project is a key action listed in the Gilgandra Housing Strategy. The spacious lots aim to provide our families room to grow and the opportunity to enjoy the great lifestyle of our rural country town" he said.

Mr Batten hailed Gilgandra as a strong, vibrant region which is steeped in history and known for its welcoming community and natural landscape which includes Warrumbungle National Park.

The release of residential lots around Gilgandra Aerodrome will make commuting a breeze. IMAGE: AOPA Australia

As a sweetener, Council is offering a rate reimbursement incentive to the first five lots sold to complete the construction of their dwellings. This incentive is available provided the dwelling is constructed and occupied within two years of the settlement of the land sales contract.

“Over the next few years, Gilgandra is set to experience unique change, not only off the back of the Inland Rail construction phases, but also by the expansion and progression of renewable energy projects within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone," Mr Batten said.

"Since these announcements of major construction projects in our region, Council has been identifying ways our region can gain advantages from these significant developments. This project forms part of that strategy.

"The additional lots will assist in easing the pressures on current housing availability, whilst making more houses available for more people to Live, Enjoy and Grow in Gilgandra, as a part of our Towards 5000 strategy works.”

The Towards 5000 strategy sees Gilgandra Shire Council having a vision of population of 5000 residents. Numbers currently sit at around 4200 and it is hoped these new housing blocks will help boost the numbers.

Lots will be listed with local Real Estate agents, MH Thomas and Beyond Twenty One from mid-June.