Regional Movers Index names Bundaberg and Fraser Coast as ‘new kids on the block’ for internal migration.

A new report says regional Queensland was the most attractive destination for Australians in 2022.

Key points:

• In 2022, regional Queensland proved to be the most popular place to move
• Those living in regional areas are most likely to relocate to Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast
• Net internal migration was highest on the Sunshine Coast and lowest on the Gold Coast

The Sunshine Coast topped the Regional Movers Index for internal migration last year, followed by the Gold Coast.

Third, fourth, and fifth in terms of net migration inflows were Greater Geelong in Victoria, Fraser Coast in Queensland, and Bundaberg in Queensland.

Additionally, Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast were the most popular areas for people to relocate to, with Bundaberg seeing an increase of 46.4%.

In 2022, the Fraser Coast recorded a 3.8% increase over the same quarter last year.

Kim Houghton, chief economist at the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), says regional Queenslanders are “on the move”.

According to him, Queensland does have quite a large regional population, with about half in regional areas and half in Brisbane, and we can see they’ve moved around quite a bit over the years.

Regional Queensland’s housing affordability and lifestyle continue to drive growth, according to Commonwealth Bank’s executive general manager for agribusiness and regional banking, Paul Fowler.

In terms of shining a light on the region-to-region migration in Fraser Coast and Bundaberg, we have a couple of new players.

In contrast, Bundaberg is seeing a greater share of net internal migration from other regions, as compared to the Fraser Coast, where migration from capitals is balanced.

“Seeing those LGAs prominently featured is really exciting.”

Bundaberg, the Fraser Coast, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast have the largest share of [regional movers].

Mayor says region has a ‘strong, stable community’

Jack Dempsey, mayor of the Bundaberg Regional Council, says it is “great news”.

The reason people come to Bundaberg is because of its lifestyle and liveability.

There are good hospitals and education facilities in our country.

“Our community is strong and stable.”

Wide Bay residents have been working hard to promote the positive aspects of living there, according to Mr Dempsey.

It is a beautiful region, and the citizens are proud of it,” he said.

It’s just a matter of maintaining confidence and positivity.”

Housing market is tight

In spite of the boost in popularity, Wide Bay real estate agents say it has become more difficult to find housing for people relocating to the area.

Real estate agent Wal Pavey said it was “still a very tight market” in Maryborough.

He explained that there isn’t much stock for sale, the same for rental properties, and even commercial leasing and storage are in high demand.

There is a serious shortage of affordable housing in our country.”

There has been a noticeable increase in people moving to Maryborough from Sydney and Melbourne, according to real estate agent Grant Carpenter.

There has definitely been an increase in inquiries, he said.

The place is getting a lot of interest from out of town, and investors are coming in.

According to Mr Houghton, regional Queensland’s housing and services need to keep up with population growth.

There is no doubt that the availability of housing as an absolute will limit people’s ability to move in,” he said.

Housing and jobs will continue to be freed up as people move from region to region, says Mr Houghton.

Whenever someone moves in the area, some spots become available.

We’re not seeing any signs of this [growth] really petering out at the moment, so I think we’ll continue to see mobility in that area.”