La Trobe Valley has been through some really hard times over the last ten years. In Morwell and Moe the power industry lost 1000’s of jobs leading to population declines. I think this trend is now reversing. Property prices were obviously effected. Added to this was the previous state Gov. (jeff’s) embarked on a policy of selling off Minisrty of housing homes, they sold hundred’s, prices crashed. I was fortunate enough to pick up a few for 26k to 29k in Mowell. Houses in Moe sold for 20K this is in 1997. Today the sell off of Gov. properties is largely over. My properties are worth about 85K. Is now a good time to invest in the valley is very difficult to tell. I’m not buying there, even though i am a buy and hold man, i am thinking of selling (because the price has risen so strongly up about 200% in 5 yrs)and purchasing elsewhere where i can get a better return. Having said all that the present Govn. is spending Millions to create Jobs etc in the Valley and prices could well go higher as the area is still cheap compared to nearly everywhere else.
regards
Westan