City workers are being lured to regional areas – where $1.7billion in untapped wages are on offer – after nearly half of those surveyed said they would move for a pay rise.
More than 91,000 jobs are being advertised across Australia’s rural and regional areas with a need for doctors, nurses, engineers, mechanics. tradies and journalists.
Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is urging city dwellers to take advantage of those opportunities to move for a better pay packet and lifestyle.
A recent study by the RAI found more than a million city workers were dissatisfied with their jobs, mainly because their salaries haven’t risen with the cost of living.
A survey of 1000 capital city workers revealed a staggering 46 per cent could be persuaded to take a job in a rural or regional area if it meant they got a pay rise.
RAI chief executive Liz Richie said life was simply more affordable in rural and regional areas.
‘You’ve got more time, more space and housing is far, far more affordable,’ she said.
‘We’ve also got a lot of research to show that regional Australians are, across the board, happier – so higher levels of wellbeing are also on offer in the regions.
‘This year regional migration is up 17 per cent and it’s continuing to grow as the economic downturn prompts Australians to search for a more affordable lifestyle.’
Alex Ho (pictured) is one of many Australians enjoying a new life in the country. He grew up in Brisbane but is now working on a farm 2,000km away in South Australia
High levels of pay are also a feature, with a greenskeeper in the regional town of Orange, about 255km west of Sydney, able to earn $95,000 to $110,000 per year
A speech pathologist in Orange can pocket between $82,000 and $130,000 and an aged care facility manager can make $150,000.
Only one in 10 people surveyed by the RAI said they would not consider a move to the regions, with young Australians aged 18 to 34 the most likely to be persuaded.
Up to 80 per cent of respondents believed that regional living would result in overall improved wellbeing.
Alex Ho is one of many Australians enjoying a new life in the country. He grew up in Brisbane but is now working on a farm 2,000km away in South Australia.
Mr Ho has been working on the mixed grain and sheep farm in Cummins on the Eyre Peninsula, about 275km from Adelaide, since finishing school.
‘(I’m) really enjoying my time here learning something new every day,’ he told AAP.
Mr Ho plans to work in agriculture for a few years before studying in the industry and said he could see himself settling in the country.
A recent trip home to Brisbane to visit family had solidified his decision to move.
‘I spent a week there and I was like, the traffic and the noise, the honking… no one’s really saying g’day,’ he said.
‘I compare that to the town I’m in now and it’s like everyone’s taking it easy and you’re more or less on a first name basis with everybody.’
However, it’s taken some time to adjust to the cooler climate.
‘It’s six degrees and I’m absolutely freezing, I’ve got the heater on, the fire going and just three blankets on my bed, so that’s not too pleasant,’ he said.
A survey of over 1,000 Australians living and working in major capital cities found that nearly half, 46 per cent, would be persuaded to take a job in rural or regional area if it meant they got a pay rise (pictured is an aerial view of the city of Orange, about 255km west of Sydney)
Lifelong Melburnian Angela Durston-Ryan was in the depths of the pandemic when she asked her employer for a transfer to Shepparton in northern Victoria.
The civil engineer now owns a house in the regional hub and loves being closer to the snow, but also not too far from the city.
‘The community is probably the biggest thing that I love,’ Ms Durston Ryan told AAP.
‘Everyone’s involved and everyone looks out for you.’
RAI chief executive Liz Richie said the regions had it all.
‘Coffee, restaurants, arts, festivals – it is all available in regional Australia now,’ she said.
‘There is a broad range of incentives because there is a war on talent right now so we’re seeing everything from housing being offered, sign-on bonuses, cars, additional holidays and additional parental paid leave.’
The survey found the two biggest concerns keeping Aussies from moving to the regions were healthcare and living away from their family and friends.
Master Builders chief executive Denita Wawn said regional Australia offered tradies an opportunity to tap into high housing and infrastructure demand.
‘Tradies who move to the regions will play a vital role in building the communities of tomorrow and contributing to the economic growth this country desperately needs,’ Ms Wawn said.
National Farmers Federation boss Tony Mahar said the agriculture industry was calling out for workers.
‘The career opportunities in agriculture are limitless,’ Mr Mahar said.
‘There is a job for everyone and every skill set right now in our farm sector.’
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