Enhanced liveability is a key reason people are moving out of Aussie cities.

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Enhancing liveability factors, including housing, health, education and infrastructure are the key to regional centres growing, and also retaining, their population according to the unsurprising conclusion in new research by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.

However it notes different push and pull factors being observed at the three local government areas subject to the research, chosen as representative of a coastal lifestyle city, an inland manufacturing regional centre and mining resource town.

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Push and pull factors are influencing migration to and from the regions.

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KEY REASONS AUSSIES ARE MOVING OUT OF THE CITIES

Lifestyle is the key factor selected by most who moved to Port Macquarie-Hastings on the NSW mid north coast, while employment prompted the shift to the Broken Hill LGA in outback NSW.

The reasons for moving to Ballarat in Victoria are less clear, with “personal”, “work”, “housing” and “lifestyle” selected at similar frequencies.

Crime rates and the cold climate are regularly cited reasons for considering moving from Ballarat.

Gaps in health and education service provision are factors in exiting Broken Hill. And a lack of affordable housing is one of the main reasons for moving away from Port Macquarie-Hastings.

The research paper, “Place-based drivers and effective management of population growth and change in regional Australia”, was undertaken by researchers from the University of Sydney and James Cook University.

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Lack of affordable housing is an issue in Port Macquarie-Hasting. Picture: Janine Watson.

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It suggests population management is easier for regions with a hospitable climate, larger tourism sectors and highly educated graduates in the workforce.

Ditto proximity to major capital cities and airports, says Dr Caitlin Buckle who led the research for the University of Sydney.

“Enhancing the liveability of each location is very important in attracting and creating a healthy and ‘deep’ population; that is, one that stays and thrives in the region,” Dr Buckle says.

“Overcoming blockages to liveability, such as improving childcare; housing needs and supply; medical and educational facilities and transport infrastructure, requires creative solutions from local, state and federal governments, as well as co-operation with industry and the private sector.”

It suggests councils should prioritise childcare.

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Crime rates and the cold climate are regularly cited reasons for considering moving from Ballarat. Picture: Supplied

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SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DECLINE IN THE REGIONS

The report highlights population loss, particularly out-migration of young people, as leading to social and economic decline.

It also notes an ageing population is putting pressure on health services that struggle to attract workers.

Interestingly the research has found just less than half of the survey respondents would potentially move to other regional cities rather than capital cities if they were to move from the case study areas. Housing and rental affordability is a key issue.

The report suggests limiting short-term rental accommodation, state and federal government support to build appropriate social and affordable housing, and the need to attract trade workers to aid housing construction as solutions.

Housing will be a key topic as the sixth annual News Corp Australia National Bush Summit gets underway this month.

The week-long event will be held in every state bringing together decision-makers and community leaders kicking off in Townsville on August 23, then Bendigo, Launceston, McLaren Vale in SA, Orange in NSW and Port Hedland in WA.

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