TWO out of five city dwellers are considering a move to regional Australia.
New research commissioned by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) shows the number of city-dwellers looking to relocate to the regions has doubled over the past 18 months, demonstrating an urgent need for solutions to regional pressure points.
The results of a nationwide survey shows 40 per cent of capital city residents are considering a move to regional Australia – up from 20 per cent in May 2023.
RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the research should ring alarm bells for policymakers, industry and regional leaders.
“Demand for regional living has never been higher, but as a nation we are not keeping pace with delivering the fundamental building blocks that are needed as we rebalance the nation,” Ms Ritchie said.
The new market research comes at the same time as the release of the RAI’s Year 2 Progress Report on the Regionalisation Ambition, which shows key regional metrics tracking housing, education and migration have gone backwards over the past 12 months.
“Many regions are already struggling with housing, particularly rental markets, and until region-specific policy measures are put in place, this will only be further magnified,” Ms Ritchie said.
“The RAI is calling for a long-term plan for regional Australia’s future that considers population movement, the skilled workforce requirement, service provision and infrastructure needs. Given Australia’s changing population pattern, this is vitally important.”
Regional Development Australia Director Michael Williams said it was positive to hear that city residents wanted to make the move.
“It’s fantastic to hear this,” Mr Williams said.
“I’m surprised it’s taken people this long to realise.”
Mr Williams said cost of living had impacted these changes but so had the cost of real estate.
“The life you get back as well,” he said.
“These are all the things we are delivering in our Welcome Experience program.”
‘The Welcome Experience’ offers support for critical workers that have moved to Broken Hill.
The RDA provide a local connector who can help with accessing childcare, healthcare, recreation and housing.
“It’s five minutes to get anywhere in Broken Hill compared to an hour and a half,” Mr Williams said.
“I recently talked to a couple that moved here six months ago, and they were surprised in the savings they had made just in fuel. They were looking to put those savings towards a holiday.”
RDA Far West are working hard to tackle some of the issues brought to light in the RAI’s progress report.
“There is a great sense of community in regional areas. It’s easy to be involved.
“It’s so much easier to be a part of a community. You can find any club, group, event you are looking for.
“You have all the opportunities to do every sport here.
“You have a lot of help within the community, you know so many people and you can feel safe with your children growing up here.”
