Australia is experiencing a significant shift in internal migration, with more individuals opting for regional living over city life. The latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) reveals a 27% increase in people moving from cities to regions compared to the reverse trend, indicating a notable change post-Covid.
CEO Liz Ritchie from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) emphasized the importance of this shift, stating that regional areas are becoming crucial for the nation’s future. She highlighted, “Regional Australia is now the new frontier, vital for our net zero transition and long-term prosperity.”
Despite a slight seasonal decline in movement, city-to-regional relocations are surpassing pre-Covid levels by 16%, while regional-to-regional moves have increased by 10%. The RMI report, a collaboration between the Commonwealth Bank and RAI, identifies emerging regional hotspots such as Lake Macquarie and NSW’s South Coast.
Regions like Lake Macquarie and NSW’s South Coast offer an appealing lifestyle with access to essential services and job opportunities. As regional growth continues, fostering collaboration between governments, industry, and communities remains critical.
