City exodus matches pandemic peak

The Regional Australia Institute says migration from capital cities to regional Australia during the June two thousand twenty-six quarter matched the record set in June two thousand twenty-one.

Sydney and Melbourne lose most residents

Sydney accounted for fifty-two percent of the net population outflow to Australian regions in the June two thousand twenty-six quarter. Those moving to regions outnumbered those moving to cities by thirty percent.

Sunshine Coast leads regional destinations

The Sunshine Coast remained the most favoured region for those leaving capital cities. In the twelve months to June two thousand twenty-six, it received eight point seven percent of total net migration share.

Tropical north sees explosive growth

The Burdekin, south of Townsville, saw a two hundred thirty-eight percent annual increase in city movers.The Atherton Tablelands region, south of Cairns, received a one hundred thirty-one percent annual increase in residents from capital cities.

Movers cite lifestyle and community

Retail operator Candace Young moved from Dalby to the Burdekin in two thousand twenty-three. She said customers from Victoria and Tasmania have moved to the shire, drawn by free outdoor activities and welcoming communities.

“Here, you can drive five minutes in any direction and take the kids fishing or camping, and those things are free activities.”

RAI calls for national population plan

Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie said the trend is a good-news story for Queensland. She said the RAI was lobbying to establish a national population plan to assist regional planning.

“It is a good-news story for Queensland.”