Queensland towns welcome influx of city dwellers seeking “sea and tree change”

New figures reveal massive migration from capital cities to regional hubs as the pandemic continues to shape where and how we live. SEE WHICH LGAs TOPPED THE LIST

Queensland’s regional population continues to soar as the Covid-19 pandemic inspires an exodus from major cities.

The Banana Shire is among the top five booming regions in the country, as net migration rose by greater than 40 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year.

New figures from the Regional Movers Index show net migration to the regions has more than doubled in the two years since the beginning of the pandemic compared to the previous two years.

Regional Australia Institute chief economist, Dr Kim Houghton says quarterly migration from capital cities to regional hubs is 15 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Queensland’s Banana Shire, Western Downs, and Douglas were among the top five LGAs for net migration in the past two years. Source: Regional Movers Index

“At the same time, more people who have been living in regional Australia have chosen to stay there,” Mr Houghton said.

“It is particularly exciting that many of the smaller regions showing high rates of growth are inland towns, it looks like the pandemic is changing some long-established movement paths,” he said.

Dr Houghton said it was a good sign for more balanced population growth across Australia in the future.

Three Queensland local government areas features in the top five, with Douglas (+49 per cent) in the Far North and the Western Downs (+48 per cent), west of Toowoomba, also welcoming scores of city-dwellers.

Banana Shire Mayor, Nev Ferrier said the figures reflect a changing attitude and people prioritising quality of live over house prices. Picture: Supplied

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier said the combination of job opportunities and outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and camping had been a major draw card for those fleeing the big smoke.

“Lots of city folk are realising that there’s lots of opportunities here, from well-paid, interesting work to new business starting up all over the Shire,” Mayor Ferrier said.

“I think people are realising that it’s not all about how much your house is worth, but how good your quality of life is … It’s that simple.”

Banana Shire mayor Nev Ferrier says the region offers a great quality of life with some of the best national parks in Queensland for visitors and locals to explore. Picture: Andrew Thorpe

The exodus from the cities to regional Queensland is welcomed by Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll who says the growth also comes off the back of flourishing industry and job opportunities across the state.

“The sea and tree changes many Australians have taken up during the pandemic is certainly welcomed by regional industries, and now we need to ensure we have services and resources to continue sustaining that growth,” Ms Carroll said.

“We are seeing that tourism experiences are bringing visitors here and then they are returning here to work and live,” she said.

South Australia’s Port Augusta topped the list for net regional migration, increasing by 54 per cent on 2020 and 2021 compared to the previous two years, while Mount Gambier saw a 44 per cent rise.