Carrathool Shire Council has ramped up its campaign to sell off seven blocks of land at Goolgowi and another five at Hillston, slashing the prices by 50 per cent.

Carrathool Shire's community development officer, Maryanne Mitchell, said she hoped the fully serviced blocks starting from just $11,500 would tempt newcomers.

"Like many small rural towns which have been experiencing population decline, our shire is keen to attract new residents where possible," she said.

"The affordable blocks of land for sale are an opportunity for those who are happy to relocate to a small country town and either work locally or commute."

Mrs Mitchell said council was always keen to find new ways to promote the region.

"The shire has job opportunities in a range of industries including local government, agricultural industries such as the cattle feedlot, olives, walnuts, potatoes, cherries, onions, almonds, wine grapes and cotton, transport, tourism and contracting businesses," she said.

"We need to continuously look at ways in which we can promote our region as places to live, work and play.

"I think the small town of Cumnock in NSW is a great success story in attracting new people to their region through the rent-a-farm-house program, where city families are able to live in a house paying rent as low as $1 a week."

Paul Goodsall, general manager of Murrumbidgee shire, agreed smaller shires needed to be proactive. His shire has been developing land since 1989.

"I think it's a necessary evil in a way. We had a 650 population in Darlington Point in 1986 and more than 1000 by 2006 and I think a lot of that growth is because of the affordable land we released," he said.

"We don't make money on it. We probably break about even if we sell a quarter-acre block at $10,500. But I think in the end, councils like ours have to do anything they can to promote growth."

Bowman and Graham First National's David Graham said real estate enquiries in general had picked up in recent weeks.

"Out Hillston way there seems to be more confidence due to the rain we've had," he said.

"There is a fair bit of positive thinking and interest levels have picked up in the last five weeks.

"They (the blocks) probably should be worth around $20,000."