Employment is the primary reason people move to Northern Australia from interstate and overseas, but their reasons for leaving are more complex.120
While employment and career opportunities remain important, lifestyle, urban amenity, climate, service availability and quality, partner employment and living costs also influence decision-making.
Research has highlighted the importance of social infrastructure and services in retaining people in Northern Australia throughout different life stages.121
Families with children place a high value on the quality of health, education and family support services, while late career workers and retirees tend to focus more on urban amenity, community connectedness and passive recreation opportunities.
Whatever their stage of life, Northern Australia residents are concerned about living and travel costs and being able to connect with family and friends elsewhere.
Investments that improve social wellbeing, cultural development and recreation opportunities, and underpin the development of cohesive communities, are priorities in Northern Australia.122 123
As a result, governments have invested in theatres, art galleries, sports stadiums and community sports facilities in its major centres.
Access to high-quality services and infrastructure, such as education and training, health and affordable housing has also been identified as key to attraction and retention in regional areas.