Key Takeaways
• Greater Geelong leads regional migration with 9.3%, surpassing Sunshine Coast at 8.9%.
• Capital city to regional moves increased 20.5% compared to pre-COVID levels.
• New visa policies and housing plans influence migration and regional growth.
Australia’s internal migration landscape has shifted in recent years, with regional areas gaining more attention from people leaving major cities. This analysis explores the rise of Greater Geelong as the top destination for regional migration, overtaking the Sunshine Coast, and examines the broader trends, policy changes, and future outlook for regional migration in Australia. The purpose of this analysis is to provide a clear, data-driven understanding of why Greater Geelong has become the leading choice for internal migrants, what factors are driving these changes, and what implications this holds for regional areas, policymakers, and migrants themselves.
Scope:
This content covers the latest migration statistics, compares Greater Geelong and the Sunshine Coast, presents key findings from the Regional Movers Index, and discusses the impact of recent immigration policy changes. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities facing regional areas as they attract more residents.
Methodology:
The analysis draws on data from the Regional Movers Index (RMI), official government announcements, and statements from key stakeholders such as the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). It uses quantitative migration figures, qualitative insights from experts, and policy updates to present a comprehensive picture. Visual descriptions of data trends are included to help readers understand the patterns.
Key Findings Upfront:
– Greater Geelong now leads Australia in net internal migration, with 9.3% of the total, surpassing the Sunshine Coast at 8.9%.
– Regional migration from capital cities is up 20.5% compared to pre-COVID averages.
– Regional Victoria, including Greater Geelong, is capturing a larger share of internal migrants.
– Policy changes, such as new visa categories and stricter student visa rules, are influencing migration patterns.
– There is a growing need for infrastructure and housing in regional centers to support this population growth.
Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions
Regional Movers Index: Migration Patterns
The Regional Movers Index is a quarterly and annual report produced by the RAI and CBA. It tracks the flow of people moving between capital cities and regional areas across Australia. The latest report, covering the 12 months to March 2025, shows a clear shift in migration patterns:
- Greater Geelong attracted 9.3% of all net internal migrants, moving ahead of the Sunshine Coast (8.9%), which had led for two years.
- Capital city to regional relocations increased by almost 11% compared to the previous quarter.
- The number of people moving from cities to regional areas is now 20.5% higher than before COVID-19.
- For every four people leaving a capital city, only three are moving in the opposite direction, meaning net migration to regional Australia is 40% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Visual Description:
Imagine a bar chart with two tall bars representing Greater Geelong and the Sunshine Coast. Geelong’s bar is slightly higher, showing its new lead. Additional bars for other regions like the Gold Coast, Townsville, and Fraser Coast are shorter but still significant. A line graph would show a steady rise in city-to-regional moves since 2020, with a sharp increase after the pandemic began.
Regional Victoria’s Growing Share
- Regional Victoria accounted for 34% of all net inflows to regional Australia in the March 2025 quarter, up from 28% a year earlier.
- Local government areas such as Latrobe and Murrindindi recorded the highest annual growth in net internal migration.
Visual Description:
Picture a pie chart where over one-third of the pie is shaded for Regional Victoria, with the rest divided among other states and territories.
Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns
Greater Geelong vs. Sunshine Coast
Greater Geelong has overtaken the Sunshine Coast as the most popular regional migration destination. Several factors explain this shift:
- Location: Geelong is close to Melbourne but offers a more relaxed, coastal lifestyle. This appeals to people who want city access without city stress.
- Investment: Major projects like the Geelong Convention Centre and the Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital expansion are underway, signaling confidence in the region’s future.
- Employment: Geelong has a diverse job market, with opportunities in health, education, manufacturing, and services.
- Services: The area has strong healthcare, education, and community support, making it easier for families and individuals to settle.
- Housing: The Victorian government plans to add 128,600 new homes in Geelong by 2050, aiming to keep up with demand.
The Sunshine Coast remains attractive, especially for those seeking a warmer climate and more affordable housing than in Sydney or Melbourne. However, Geelong’s combination of location, investment, and services has given it an edge.
Broader Migration Trends
- Sydney continues to lose the most residents among capital cities, mainly due to high property prices. About 40% of those leaving Sydney move to regional New South Wales, while 17% head to regional Queensland (down from 30% last year).
- Queensland still draws many migrants, with the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Townsville, and Fraser Coast all popular.
- Other regions, such as Victor Harbor in South Australia and Denmark and Harvey in Western Australia, are also seeing increased migration.
Pattern:
The trend is clear: more Australians are leaving big cities for regional areas, drawn by lifestyle, affordability, and job opportunities. This movement is not limited to the eastern states; it is happening across the country.
Factors Driving Regional Migration
Why Greater Geelong?
Strategic Location:
Geelong’s proximity to Melbourne allows people to enjoy a quieter life while still being close to a major city. This is especially appealing as remote work becomes more common.
Infrastructure Investment:
Government and private investment are transforming Geelong. Projects like the new convention center and hospital upgrades promise better services and more jobs.
Employment Opportunities:
Geelong’s economy is diverse. People can find work in health, education, manufacturing, and more. This reduces the risk of moving compared to regions with fewer job options.
Established Services:
Good schools, hospitals, and community centers make it easier for families to settle in Geelong. This is a key reason why people choose the area over less developed regions.
Housing Development:
With a plan to build over 128,000 new homes by 2050, Geelong is preparing for continued growth. This helps keep housing more affordable than in major cities.
Sunshine Coast’s Continued Appeal
The Sunshine Coast still attracts many migrants, especially from Sydney and Melbourne. Its warm climate, beaches, and relatively affordable homes remain strong draws. However, rising demand has pushed up prices, making it less accessible for some.
Policy Changes Affecting Migration
Australia’s migration policies have a direct impact on where people move and settle. Several recent changes are shaping the current landscape:
Multi-Year Planning Model
From 2025-26, the Migration Program will use a multi-year planning model. This means the government will set migration targets for several years at a time, rather than just one year. The goal is to provide more certainty for migrants, employers, and regional planners.
Regional Focus
The government has increased the number of visas for regional areas:
- State/Territory Nominated category: 33,000 visas
- Regional category: 33,000 visas
This is part of the 2024-25 Migration Program, which has a total of 185,000 places, slightly down from 190,000 the previous year.
Student Visa Reforms
- Visa fees have increased to $1,600 (up from $710).
- Applicants must now show they have enough money to cover at least 75% of the national minimum wage.
- English language requirements are stricter, making it harder for some students to qualify.
These changes are designed to ensure that students coming to Australia are well-prepared and can support themselves.
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
A new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS 482) visa on December 7, 2024. The SID visa aims to better match Australia’s labor needs, especially in regional areas. For details on the new SID visa, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Evidence-Based Conclusions
Greater Geelong has become the leading destination for regional migration in Australia, overtaking the Sunshine Coast due to its strategic location, strong investment, diverse job market, and quality services. The broader trend of moving from cities to regional areas is likely to continue, supported by government policies that favor regional growth.
Regional Victoria is capturing a larger share of internal migrants, and other areas across Australia are also benefiting from this shift. Policy changes, such as increased regional visa allocations and new student visa rules, are shaping who moves where and why.
However, the rapid growth in regional areas brings challenges. Local governments must ensure that infrastructure, housing, and services keep up with demand. If not managed well, the very qualities that attract people to these areas—affordability, lifestyle, and community—could be at risk.
Limitations
- Data Lag: The most recent data covers up to March 2025. Migration patterns can change quickly, especially with new policy announcements or economic shifts.
- Policy Uncertainty: Planned reductions in migration intake and possible cuts to international student numbers could alter future trends.
- Regional Differences: Not all regional areas are growing at the same rate. Some may struggle to attract investment or provide enough jobs and services.
- Housing Supply: While plans for new homes exist, actual construction may lag behind demand, leading to affordability issues.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
For those considering a move to Greater Geelong, the Sunshine Coast, or another regional area, it’s important to:
- Research local job markets and housing options.
- Check eligibility for regional visas or other migration pathways. For official information on regional migration visas, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
- Monitor policy changes that could affect migration options or requirements.
- Plan for infrastructure and service availability, especially in fast-growing areas.
Employers and local governments should:
- Invest in infrastructure to support new residents.
- Promote job opportunities to attract skilled workers.
- Work with state and federal governments to ensure policies support sustainable growth.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the continued movement to regional Australia is reshaping the country’s population map and creating new opportunities and challenges for communities, businesses, and migrants alike.
In summary:
Greater Geelong’s rise to the top of Australia’s regional migration rankings reflects a broader shift toward regional living, driven by lifestyle, affordability, and policy support. While the trend is likely to continue, careful planning and investment are needed to ensure that regional areas remain attractive and sustainable for years to come.
Learn Today
Regional Movers Index → A quarterly report tracking migration flows between Australian capital cities and regional areas.
Net internal migration → The difference between people moving into and out of a region within a country.
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa → A visa replacing the TSS 482 to align migrants with Australia’s labor market needs.
State/Territory Nominated category → A visa category prioritizing regional migration nominated by Australian states or territories.
Migration Program → Australia’s official annual plan setting targets for migration intake and visas.
This Article in a Nutshell
Greater Geelong has overtaken Sunshine Coast as Australia’s top regional migration destination, driven by location, jobs, investment, and lifestyle, reflecting a national trend towards regional living influenced by policy and infrastructure development.
— By VisaVerge.com
