Data indicates a higher number of people are moving to the Port Macquarie-Hastings

In a newly released index developed by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), areas of high population growth can now be identified.

The Regional Movers Index shows that the number of people shifting from the nation's capitals to the regions is at its highest level since 2018, rising seven percent in the March quarter from a year earlier.

The Port Macquarie-Hastings has been identified as one of the top spots people are moving to.

"In the March 2021 quarter, the Queensland municipalities of Noosa and Southern Downs saw the largest growth in inward migration from capitals among all LGAs. This was followed by Port Macquarie-Hastings in New South Wales and Launceston in Tasmania," a RAI spokesperson said.

The Port Macquarie-Hastings saw a 38 per cent growth rise in population in the March 2021 quarter compared to the same time last year.

There was also a 31 per cent growth rise in population in the March 2021 quarter compared to the December 2020 quarter.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast chair Kieren Dell said the exodus to the regions has placed extreme pressure on housing affordability and availability.

"Houses in the area are selling in less than a week and for a higher price," Mr Dell said.

"This has been driven by the numbers of people moving to the area from the city, but also we're seeing people choose to stay regional instead of moving away."

Mr Dell said the demographic of Port Macquarie is also changing due to Charles Sturt University being a drawcard for students.

However, he said increased population growth can place pressure on infrastructure in the area.

"There are locals who are finding it difficult to compete with people from the city who are offering more for rentals," Mr Dell said.

"Affordable housing is an issue across the whole country at the moment and we need to be looking at short, medium and long-term solutions."

Although the pressure on housing affordability is causing issues for regional areas, Mr Dell said there are positives of population growth.

"Sustainable population growth for businesses does have its positives. We will see a demographic with more qualifications which will lead to more qualified professionals across a range of sectors," he said.

"It also changes the demographic of people in one area. For a long time Port Macquarie was seen as the waiting ground for Heaven, but now we are seeing more families and young people move to the area.

"We can't ignore that there is a housing crisis and we need to put in place solutions to fix the problem, now and for the future."

The Regional Movers Index is defined as movement of CBA personal customers from capital areas to regional areas.

"This new index enables the early identification of growth trends and flags emerging hotspots which may need fresh thinking on housing and infrastructure," RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: