New data from the December 2024 Regional Labour Market Index (RLMI) confirms what many already suspected regional and remote areas continue to face tougher job market conditions than their big-city counterparts. But not all regions are struggling. In fact, some pockets of regional Australia are thriving, showing just how dynamic the labour market can be.
A growing food bowl workforce
One standout is the Southern Murray-Darling Basin, a vital part of Australia's Food Bowl. This region, home to areas like the Riverina and Shepparton, have seen a turnaround in the past year. In December 2023, both of these SA4 regions were rated ‘below average’ and ‘average'. Fast forward to December 2024, and both have jumped to an ‘above average’ rating.
The working-age employment rate surged from 76.4% to 80.1%, a contrast to the national average, which dipped slightly to 76.7%.
Growth in the agriculture, food services and transport industries helped to drive employment growth in the region. This is also reflected in the An Essential Ingredient: The Food Supply Chain Workforce report, which highlights the increasing demand for skilled workers across Australia’s food production and distribution network.
Booming regional cities near Brisbane
Some regional cities near Brisbane are thriving. The Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast continue to attract people looking for a better lifestyle without the capital city price tag.
These areas have grown in population over recent years, drawing workers from both capital cities and other regional areas, offering a winning combination: affordable housing, strong job opportunities and easy access to Brisbane. Research from the Regional Australia Institute confirms they’re among the most popular destinations for movers.
The December RLMI results highlight the diverse realities of Australia's regional labour market. For more insights, read the full results.
