The State of the Regions
For decades , state and federal governments have looked to move people out of congested and expensive capital cities to the regions . Leading up to COVID-19 , there were some success stories , particularly to areas that were located adjacent to capital cities . COVID-19 accelerated the trend , with four main drivers :
• Lifestyle shift driven by changes to the way people work , and the desire for more space
• Demand for second homes - no longer being able to head overseas , and saving more money , led more people to buy holiday homes
• Mining boom , particularly for iron ore and gold
• Agriculture boom , particularly for beef and wheat .
Australia ' s COVID - 19 regional shift
12,000
10,000
Regional Migration
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
Source : ABS , Ray White
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