Tree-changing is slowing down

In the June quarter, net migration to regional areas of Australia dropped 35 per cent compared to the previous quarter.

Figures from the Regional Movers Index June quarter also revealed regional people have resumed their migration back to the capital cities.

Major coastal cities close to the east coast capitals are the main destinations for city-dwellers making a regional move — Gold Coast welcomed 11 per cent of all capital-city movers, Sunshine Coast six per cent, Greater Geelong four per cent, Wollongong and Lake Macquarie two per cent.

For local government areas (LGAs), three of the top-five highest-growth areas were South Australian.

The Mt Gambier LGA experienced a 90 per cent increase in regional movement since June 2021, while Port August rose 63 per cent and Yorke Peninsula 50 per cent.

Victoria’s Moorabool and NSW’s Bathurst round out the top five LGAs.

Regional Australia Institute chief executive officer Liz Ritchie said the ease in migration should take the pressure off housing demand and provide breathing space for regions to plan for the future.