As part of a campaign by the Regional Australia Institute, ‘Move to More’, Aussies are being encouraged to consider moving to more regional areas, rather than opting for city life. Although, for us here on the Sunshine Coast, we are already noticing the change happening.
The campaign aspires city-dwellers to see regions as a charming and viable option where there are more opportunities for an affordable lifestyle and better work-life balance.
It’s an approach the Sunshine Coast Council has been advocating for many years and one which is gradually producing good and challenging outcomes.
RAI chief economist Dr Kim Houghton reports advertised job vacancies have changed during the last 10 years with “a steady decline in low skilled jobs and steady rise in high skilled jobs”.
It’s been observed that more professional services business owners are making the move to the Coast and bringing their families with them. The ripple effect is more opportunities for local employment. With these business owners taking on the commercial rent premises, offices or retail space, which in turn, is producing extra dollars into the economy.
The Coast has been experiencing above the State average growth rate for some time now, not solely as a result of Covid. Apart from an attractive and more affordable lifestyle, the Coast’s significant infrastructure investment, the international broadband cable connectivity opportunities, entrepreneur support and transport access are proving powerful attractions for business owners.
Proposals for a food and beverage manufacturing hub, and the airport developing a freight and logistics hub, will only provide further economic stimulus and employment for the Coast.