COLAC Otway Shire Council staff say hundreds of Melbourne people are interested in moving to the Colac district.

The council had a stall promoting the shire at a Regional Victoria Living Expo which attracted more than 10,000 people.

Economic development manager Mike Barrow said a “high proportion” of the people council staff spoke to at the expo were serious about moving to regional Victoria and moving to the Colac region.

“Predominantly most of them knew of Colac but there were some who didn’t know where it was and some of those people were new to Australia,” Mr Barrow said.

“Most people wanted to know about employment and housing,” he said.

“And it was pleasing that most people going through the expo were in our target group; young families and professionals.

“There were some retirees looking for a lifestyle change and interested in what services we have, the hospital and retail.”

Business development officer Michael Swanson said the council’s expo stand attracted visitors during the three-day event, and a promotional issue of Colac Herald provided information on services and opportunities.

“We gave out about 900 copies and there was lots of information that people wanted; it really hit the market,” he said.

“The one thing people kept saying, they just want to get out of Melbourne.”

Mr Barrow said the event was a success and the council would attend next year’s expo.

Tags: Business, Colac Otway Shire Council, Education, Employment, Tourism