New data from the Regional Movers Index reveals a new era of internal migration
Australia is experiencing a significant shift towards regional living, the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) has shown.
The data suggests a sustained trend in population movement from cities to regional areas, marking a new era of internal migration.
According to the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) chief executive Liz Ritchie (pictured above left), the June 2024 quarter saw 27% more people moving from cities to regions than in the opposite direction – building on patterns observed in previous RMI reports and signalling a continued preference for regional living.
“Regional Australia has become the nation’s new frontier,” Ritchie said. “The population movement we’re seeing is a sustained trend, higher than pre-COVID migration patterns. The regional Australia we have now is quite different from the regional Australia of five years ago.”
Ritchie highlighted the importance of supporting growing regional areas with the necessary infrastructure and services, emphasising their role in Australia’s future, particularly in the net zero transition.
Despite a seasonal dip in overall movement during the June quarter, city-to-regional relocations were 16% above the pre-COVID average, while regional-to-regional moves were 10% higher, the data showed.
The Regional Movers Index, a collaboration between the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and RAI, tracks quarterly and annual trends in regional migration.
Paul Fowler (pictured above right), executive general manager regional and agribusiness at CBA, noted that the appeal of regional living shows no sign of waning.
“Movers from metro areas continue to reap the lifestyle and economic rewards of life in the regions,” Fowler said. “This quarter saw the smallest seasonal decline in relocations we’ve ever seen, highlighting the potential for a new era of year-round relocations.”
New regional hotspots have also emerged, with Lake Macquarie, located north of the NSW Central Coast, becoming one of Australia’s most popular destinations, capturing nearly 5% of net internal migration over the past year. The neighbouring NSW South Coast areas of Bega Valley and Eurobodalla also experienced strong growth.
“The coastal appeal of regional hubs like Lake Macquarie, Bega Valley, and Eurobodalla offers an attractive lifestyle with access to quality healthcare, education services, and employment opportunities,” Fowler said, citing the impact of major projects like the Snowy Hydro 2.0 in Southern NSW.
State-by-state analysis revealed that large centres within a few hours’ drive of capital cities remain popular, but areas further afield, such as Townsville (Queensland), Strathbogie (Victoria), and Greater Geraldton (Western Australia), saw the most growth over the past 12 months.
Ritchie noted that three-quarters of city dwellers who moved to regional areas in the past three months settled in regional New South Wales or Victoria, reflecting ongoing net migration outflows from Sydney and Melbourne.
“With so many people settling in our southern states, it’s critical that governments, industry, and communities work together to support regional expansion,” Ritchie said. “The regions offer affordability, community, career options, and green space. This new era of regionality requires vision and leadership to drive a more decentralised Australia.”
Regional Queensland’s share of net city outflows fell to 19% in the 12 months to June 2024, down from 41% the previous year. The Sunshine Coast remained the most popular destination for movers, but the Gold Coast saw a net outflow to other regional areas, suggesting it is becoming a gateway to more remote parts of the country.
Western Australia also featured prominently, with Albany, Bunbury, and Busselton among the regions drawing significant interest. Fowler attributed this to the state’s vibrant economy and initiatives like the Government Regional Officer Housing Program, which have accelerated growth in the southwestern corner.
“The continued inflows into regions like these in Western Australia show the appeal among Australians seeking a sea or tree change and offer opportunities for industry and businesses eager to capitalise on this growth,” Fowler said.
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