Australians flock to regional WA as COVID changes work landscape

Regional migration rates are reaching levels not seen since the collapse of iron ore and gas prices in 2014 with interstate workers flocking to the country on the back of strong commodity prices. Australian Bureau of Statistics data for the March quarter show regional WA had the largest net internal migration gain since June 2013. A total of 66,300 people made the move to the regions in search of a new lifestyle and job opportunities. In WA, arrivals were at their highest for a quarter since December 2013 levels, with departures their lowest since December 2020. Regional Development Australia Pilbara chief executive Tony Simpson said the migration rates were caused by fly-in, fly-out workers moving to the area they worked in. Mr Simpson said COVID-19 border closures meant FIFO workers who wanted to keep their jobs had to move to the Pilbara. “COVID has changed the landscape of the economy and people are moving to where there are jobs,” he said. “The days of travelling from interstate for your job will definitely get harder before it gets easier.” Increased migration comes on the heels of both the Karratha and Port Hedland local governments considering a joint designated area migration agreement. Earlier this year, the Town of Port Hedland considered applying for Designated Area Migration Agreements in order to address shortages in priority areas including childcare, hospitality, retail and tourism while the City of Karratha agreed to begin the application process last December. City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said recruiting and retaining the “right” workers was repeatedly raised by local businesses. “This is likely to worsen as more major resource projects come online and put additional pressure on an already strained labour market,” he said. “Attracting skilled workers from outside the region will be critical for local businesses.”