WANGARATTA has emerged as the top regional growth hotspot in Australia according to the latest report that maps migration of Commonwealth Bank customers.
The report released by Regional Australia Institute shows that Rural City of Wangaratta's net internal migration inflows increased by 592 per cent in the 12 months to September 2024, topping the list with other nearby municipalities Strathbogie fourth and Moira fifth nationally.
There has also been a surge of new residents to Wangaratta recently with the September quarter change (Sep qtr 2024 vs Jun qtr 2024) showing a staggering 246.2pc increase.
The report shows both residents from other regions and city dwellers contributed to Wangaratta's stellar growth rate.
Wangaratta took out fourth place in the top five LGAs by annual percentage growth in new capital city to regional migrations in the last 12 months, while Moira was in second place.
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To be listed in the top five of the Regional Movers Index net migration flows need to be 50 or more people.
Acting Mayor Harvey Benton said the rural city's central location to other attractions, strong health services, well performing schools, better rail transport connectivity, and land to build on all help in enticing people to make the tree change.
He said one of the main influences on the figures has been the release of land in residential growth areas following extensive work with North East Water for water and sewage infrastructure.
Cr Benton also believed safety in the community and good services was a big draw card.
"Families can raise their kids up here and you get it repeated every night on the television how people are running amuck in Melbourne," he said.
"The serviceability of the utilities in the Rural City of Wangaratta have improved and it's starting to pay off.
"We're only an hour away from lakes Hume and Mulwala and two hours from the snow, we have a fairly good health system with the hospitals, and the schools have a good reputation.
"We have spent $31 million on the aquatic centre so it's got to start to pay something back.
"The train service is still not 100 per cent but it's better than what it was."
Cr Benton noted that the King Valley was named as the top trending place by Time Out Australia and that the valley has been a magnate for a lot of people who drive from Melbourne go to lunch at a winery and then drive back again.
"Our climate is a big factor and over many years I only know of one stock agent who moved to Wangaratta from the south to work and eventually returned to Melbourne," he said.
"The staging of events in the rural city also attracts return visitation and people get a taste of the area and eventually make the move here and tell their friends how good it is."
Wangaratta real estate agent Garry Nash said he has noticed a steady stream of new residents over the last 12 months including people returning to Wangaratta after a stint elsewhere, and retirees.
"This recognition endorses what I have been advocating over many years when I have the opportunity to speak to media, business and government," he said.
"It is also testament to the hard work and dedication of many people who have contributed to the Rural City of Wangaratta over the years.
"It has been a commitment to continual improvement with our natural beauty and resources, the diversity of various agricultural streams, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, transport, warehouse distribution, industries, medical, education and professional services.
"This all culminates in a desirable and attractive area to reside in and enjoy."
Mr Nash also noted the influence of major local businesses like Brown Family Wine Group for their widescale promotion of the area over several decades, and many people in the community who work to make the rural city a place where people want to live and work.
