A small town in north west Queensland is selling affordable 800 sqm blocks for $10 a piece.

With 10 blocks up for grabs in Richmond, available land will be designated through a ballot.

The North Queensland Register reports in 2013, Richmond Shire Council applied to access crown land from the state government, in a hope to attract new residents to the town.

“Richmond is situated on the mighty Flinders River, where there is water and good soil. Farmers are on their way and we are continually receiving interest in property around the area,” Mayor John Wharton said.

“The ballot opens up another area of town, it allows people to move to Richmond at a minimum cost and opens the market for potential young home owners.

“The average block in Richmond is about 2000 sqm, so the blocks are a little small for land in this country, but we will probably combine two blocks together.

“Council will provide power and water to the blocks, including sealed road access.”

Although it only cost $10 to apply in the ballot, there is still certain criteria that needs to be met to enter.

The ballot entrant must be an Australian citizen, be an individual (no corporate), have pre-approved finance of $200,000 and build a two bedroom home within two years.

This is not the first time Richmond Shire Council has conducted a ballot, selling dollar blocks in 2013.

“Previously we had 3000 people apply and 32 went into the ballot as some didn’t meet the criteria,” Cr Wharton said.

“Last time we opened 10 blocks. There are now four houses, sheds and a bus on those blocks, in which those owners are paying rates.”

Natural Resources and Mines Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham said the land transfer was the first step in an innovative strategy to encourage more new residents.

“Following a decline in real estate activity in recent years, Richmond Shire Council saw an opportunity to use the land in a $10 ballot to combat their declining population,” Dr Lynham said.

“The most appropriate use of these state-owned land parcels is residential, so this is a practical way of helping to support one of our regional communities.”

The blocks of land are located on Middleton Street, Richmond and interested persons can apply through Richmond Shire Council.

Entries will close around July with the ballot being announced in the new year.

This story originally appeared on the North Queensland Register.