Australia has entered a new phase of internal migration, with more people choosing regional living over city life, according to the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI). The June 2024 quarter saw 27% more people moving from cities to regions than the reverse, continuing a trend that has outpaced pre-Covid migration patterns.

Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), highlighted that this sustained shift underscores the growing importance of regional areas for the nation’s future. “Regional Australia is now the new frontier, vital for our net zero transition and long-term prosperity,” she said.

Despite a seasonal dip in movement, city-to-regional relocations are 16% above pre-Covid levels, while regional-to-regional moves are up 10%. The RMI report, a partnership between the Commonwealth Bank and RAI, also identifies emerging regional hotspots like Lake Macquarie and NSW’s South Coast.

CBA’s Paul Fowler noted that regions like Lake Macquarie offer an attractive lifestyle with access to essential services and job opportunities. As regional growth continues, collaboration between governments, industry, and communities is crucial.