Rural migration: Country Victoria continues to grow

Small towns continue to draw city people looking for a tree change, but there are concerns for already-stretched resources.

City slickers are flocking to Australia’s regions in a post-pandemic migration, as ­regional hubs continue to ­attract thousands of metro movers.

But the influx could place further pressure on regional housing and infrastructure, ­according to industry experts.

The latest Regional Movers Index report, released on Wednesday by the Regional Australia Institute, showed regional Victoria and Queensland experienced the largest growth in 2022, with Greater Geelong’s population increasing more than 5 per cent, while Ballarat grew by 2.6 per cent.

The top five highest growth regional areas in 2022 were Port Pirie, South Australia; Gladstone, Queensland; Murray Bridge, South Australia; Glen Innes, NSW; and, York, Western Australia.

Tree changers seeking an idyllic work-life balance continue to flock to Victoria’s regional hubs. But some are concerned the population boom could strain already-stretched resources and infrastructure. Photograph: Arsineh Houspian

Bec Macdougall and her husband Angus made the move from the inner city suburb of Prahran in 2018 to Molyullah, near Benalla., where they run 100 head of Angus cattle at their property, Dunmore.

While the Macdougall's moved prior to the pandemic, as local business owners they have seen first-hand the effect of population growth and the increased cost of living on a community where resources are already stretched.

“Definitely costs are increasing,” Mrs Macdougall said.

“One thing is fuel. Fuel is really expensive, and having an impact on people’s disposable income. Costs are going up, and naturally, that’s affecting everyone.

“We try and grow as much produce as we can, and we love that opportunity, but equally, food and groceries have really increased in prices, and that’s hitting people’s purses, so to speak. In the community it is noticeable. Mortgages are going up. And all those things are affecting people’s incomes.”

Mrs Macdougall said prior to Covid, booking an appointment to see a doctor was a struggle, the effect of which was only compounded during the pandemic.

“There’s so much to celebrate, but the regions need support, and they need resources,” Mrs Macdougall said.

“You get city dwellers wanting to make the tree change, and to contribute to community and set up business. But it’s not easy to find staff, and that’s a problem. There has to be resources in place in order to fulfil that.”

Commonwealth Bank ­regional and agribusiness executive general manager Paul Fowler said Australia’s ­regional hubs continue to ­attract people from the metro regions, seeking a mixture of “attractive lifestyle benefits and business opportunities”, with industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and health growing and sustaining the economy.

“Although we expect the economy to slow in 2023, we believe that the ongoing growth of key industries will be positive overall and assist to ease pressures being felt in some of the most popular ­regional destinations,” Mr Fowler said.

But Regional Australia Insti­tute Chief Executive Liz Ritchie said areas experiencing significant net migration would be feeling the impact on housing prices and rent, along with pressure on local services and infrastructure.

“The regional housing squeeze is just one example of what can happen when we haven’t prepared for growth,” Ms Ritchie said.

“The low-growth ‘business as usual’ trends before 2020 has led to under-investment in some regional areas.”