Parts of NSW’s Northern Tablelands experienced some of the worst conditions in the recent NSW bushfire disaster including two fatalities and widespread destruction of homes.

The loss of lives and services at Wytaliba and the property devastation at the historic hamlet of Torrington have cast a pall over the region, says Nellie Hayes, Principal of Raine & Horne Glen Innes. “Thankfully the town of Glen Innes was not directly affected by the recent fires, despite some commentary to the contrary.”

She continues, “Our thoughts are with the communities of Wytaliba and Torrington and those families and businesses who’ve lost properties,” said Nellie. “We’re thankful that assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which might go some way towards helping those impacted by the fires[1].”

Nellie believes the resilience of the Glen Inness community will keep the real estate markets afloat long-term. “The roads will reopen around our region and the schools won’t be closed forever,” she says. “The appeal of the Northern Highlands is that we generally have relatively higher rainfall than nearby regions in NSW. We still do, despite drought conditions over the last three years.”

Glen Innes will also continue to tick the box for tree-changers who move to the town from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Nellie advises. “Glen Innes offers a quieter and more peaceful way of life compared to the hustle of the cities, and a healthier lifestyle. “We don’t have the same level of humidity as the cities.”

There’s also a greater sense of community. “Living in a small country town such as Glen Innes enables city-slickers to join a small, close knit community. Our town is large enough to have everything you need and small enough to maintain the community feel.”

There is also the financial dividend. The median price for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Glen Innes is $260,000. “That said, city investors can find affordable gems such as a two-bedroom house situated on a large 2,024 square metre fully fenced property, which sold for $170,000 to an investor. “This property 153 Taylor Street, Glen Innes, is renting for $245 a week which is a 7.5% gross yield,” Nellie said.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan, grant or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

[1] https://www.barnabyjoyce.com.au/News/Releases/Tamworth-Gwydir-to-access-bushfire-assistance/