Workers Want A Regional Change 

The number of capital city residents considering a move to the regions has nearly doubled in the past two years.

Analysis by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) shows 40% city residents would make the move, particularly if they could still do their existing job remotely.

Of those people considering a move, 47% say they would continue in their current work role on a remote or hybrid basis, while a third would look for a new job in the community.

About 61% are planning to relocate in the next five years. Families with children under the age of 18 were more likely to relocate regionally than those without.

RAI chief executive Liz Ritchie says the shift could result in economic opportunity for regional Australia.

Amenity and economic gains are the top drawcards for potential movers, with more affordable housing, cheaper cost-of-living, and a closer connection to nature listed as influencing factors.

Ritchie says Councils should be planning now for the influx, to ensure regional towns can support current residents and new ones.