Published • loading... • Updated
The Regional Hotspots Attracting People From Capital Cities Revealed
The Regional Movers Index rose 20.1% in the March 2026 quarter, with capital-city departures outnumbering moves in the opposite direction by 29.7%.
- The Regional Movers Index hit a record high in the March 2026 quarter, with city-to-region moves making up 11.9 per cent of all internal Australian migration.
- Sydney and Melbourne dominated the list of capital cities people left for regions, with 55 per cent and 36 per cent shares respectively. Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie cited cost of living and housing opportunities as key drivers.
- The Sunshine Coast remains the nation's most popular destination with an 8.8 per cent share of total net migration, while Toowoomba recorded a 236.4 per cent increase in net inflows from capital cities in the past year.
- Moorabool Shire Mayor Steven Venditti-Taylor warned that booming populations are placing significant pressure on essential infrastructure, though Regional Australia Institute argues the trend creates an opportunity to address national productivity.
- Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie described the shift as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be bold and courageous and set an ambitious plan for the nation." She emphasized government must respond before infrastructure pressure builds.
Insights by Ground AI
16 Articles
16 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left12Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources lean Left
100% Left
L 100%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
