Regional migration on the rise
Regional Movers Index data shows 27 per cent more people moved from cities to regions than in the opposite direction during the June 2024 quarter.
AUSTRALIA has entered a new era of internal migration, according to the Regional Movers Index (RMI).
The data from Regional Australia Institute (RAI) and the Commonwealth Bank indicates the nation is on the move to the regions.
It’s news that won’t surprise readers of the Australian Conveyancer’s 14-page special report from June entitled “We’re Moving Out”.
Speaking about the RAI findings, chief executive Liz Ritchie said the data showed 27 per cent more people moved from cities to regions than in the opposite direction during the June 2024 quarter.
“Regional Australia has become the nation’s new frontier,” Ms Ritchie said.
“This analysis is clearly showing the population movement we’re seeing is a sustained new trend, that is higher than pre-COVID migration patterns.
“The regional Australia we have now, is quite different to the regional Australia of five years ago.
“The emergence of this new era signifies how important the regions are to the future of our nation. “
The data shows despite a seasonal dip in overall movement across the country in the June quarter, the Australian population remains highly mobile, with city-to-regional relocations tracking 16 per cent above the pre-COVID average, and regional-to-regional relocations 10 per cent higher.
The latest report also shows the emergence of new regional hotspots, with Lake Macquarie, north of the NSW Central Coast, one of Australia’s most popular destinations for movers, securing an almost 5 per cent share of net internal migration over the past year.
While large centres within a few hours’ drive of capitals remain popular with many movers, regions experiencing the most growth over the last 12 months were generally further afield, including Townsville (Qld), Mid-West Regional (NSW), Strathbogie (Vic), Murray Bridge (SA), Greater Geraldton (WA), Coomalie (NT) and George Town (Tas).
Ms Ritchie said around three-quarters of city dwellers who made the move to the regions in the past three months had settled in either regional New South Wales or Victoria, reflective of capital city net migration data which shows Sydney, and to a lesser extent Melbourne, continue to shed the largest number of people.
Regional Queensland’s share of net city outflows fell to 19 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024, down from 41 per cent in the year prior.
The Sunshine Coast retained its title as the nation’s most popular destination for movers, accounting for a 14 per cent share of net internal migration, however the Gold Coast slipped down in ranking on account of experiencing a net outflow of people to other regional areas, suggesting it’s fast becoming a gateway to more remote and rural areas of the country.
