What are the underlying issues that make this chapter important?

  The Australian Government's Centre for Population has projected Australia's population is still growing and is expected to reach 28 million during 2028-2029, three years later than if the COVID-19 pandemic had not occurred.6

  1 in 10 Australian workers will likely increase their pattern of working from home to 2-3 days per week.7 This will increase the attractiveness of Smaller Cities and Regional Centres and the outer suburbs.

  There was a 200% increase in net growth to regional centres and regional areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.8