Image credit – Tourism and Events Queensland
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered population dynamics across Australia, sparking a significant shift from metropolitan areas to regional towns and cities. The AHURI Final Report No. 425 highlights this trend, which has been termed a ‘regional revival,’ where places like Bundaberg saw increased interest from individuals and families seeking a lifestyle change. This movement brought both opportunities and challenges to regional areas.
Bundaberg’s appeal during this period was evident. Known for its natural beauty, strong sense of community, and welcoming atmosphere, the city provided an attractive alternative to the crowded and high-stress environments of major cities. As people grew accustomed to remote work, they sought locations that offered more space, affordability, and a better quality of life, and Bundaberg fit the bill. The AHURI report notes that lifestyle considerations became a top priority, outweighing the need for proximity to traditional job centres.
One of the most significant changes driven by this shift was the increased demand for housing. While Bundaberg’s housing market remained relatively affordable compared to major cities, the surge in interest strained supply and pushed up prices. This is a common issue highlighted in the report, where rapid regional population growth risks eroding the very affordability that makes these areas attractive in the first place. Addressing this requires local policies that ensure sustainable development, such as promoting new housing projects and balancing short-term holiday rentals with long-term residential availability.
The influx of new residents also put pressure on local infrastructure and services. Healthcare facilities, schools, and public amenities faced increased demand, necessitating investment and planning to keep up with the growth. Bundaberg has been proactive in identifying these needs, but as the AHURI report suggests, ongoing support and coordination between different levels of government are vital to maintain service quality and prevent bottlenecks.
While COVID-19 accelerated this regional migration trend, it also raised awareness of the potential vulnerabilities associated with living in regional areas. Natural disasters such as floods and bushfires, which have impacted many parts of Australia in recent years, pose significant risks that newcomers may not fully anticipate. Bundaberg’s local government has responded with increased attention to disaster preparedness and community resilience, aiming to ensure that the city remains safe and appealing even in the face of such challenges.
The pandemic also shifted workplace expectations, normalising remote work and flexible schedules. For Bundaberg, this has been a positive development, as the city can now attract professionals who previously needed to be located in urban centres. This change has created opportunities for Bundaberg to market itself as a remote work haven, combining a relaxed lifestyle with modern amenities and reliable internet connectivity.
Moving forward, Bundaberg’s challenge is to leverage these migration trends while addressing the pressures they create. Ensuring that housing remains affordable, infrastructure keeps pace with growth, and services are accessible to all residents will be key to maintaining the region’s appeal. Strategies that integrate community input and sustainable development practices will play a critical role in Bundaberg’s ability to thrive amid continued interest from new residents.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have catalysed a shift that was already in the making—a move toward valuing lifestyle, space, and community over proximity to big cities. Bundaberg, with its unique charm and strategic responses, is well-placed to continue benefiting from these changes while meeting the needs of its growing population. The lessons learned from this period will shape how the city approaches future challenges and opportunities, ensuring that it remains a vibrant, desirable place to call home.
This article, written by Welcome to Bundaberg Founder Gayle Reynolds, is inspired by the AHURI Final Report No. 425 titled *“Place-based drivers and effective management of population growth and change in regional Australia.”* Authored by Caitlin Buckle, Greta Werner, Nancy Marshall, Glen Searle, Nick Osbaldiston, Somwrita Sarkar, Durba Kundu, and Nicole Gurran from the University of Sydney and James Cook University, this report was published in August 2024. It explores key push and pull factors affecting population changes in non-metropolitan Australia and offers valuable insights into managing growth effectively in regional areas.
Reference:
Buckle, C., Werner, G., Marshall, N., Searle, G., Osbaldiston, N., Sarkar, S., Kundu, D., & Gurran, N. (2024). *Place-based drivers and effective management of population growth and change in regional Australia*. AHURI Final Report No. 425. Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Limited.