OPENING LINES GEN Z LEADS GREAT URBAN EXODUS – AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE WORKFORCE IS HEADING TO THE REGIONS: RAI Source: arr.news, Contributor ARR News, First Published February 17th, 2026 Generation Z may be on the march to the regions – now the most likely cohort considering a move out of metro areas, according to new survey results released today by the Regional Australia Institute (the RAI). Generation Z (18 to 29 years) has overtaken its older counterpart, Millennials (30 to 45 years), in having the greatest desire to leave the city behind, with almost half (49 per cent) contemplating relocating. Overall, the annual snapshot shows more than 5.3 million or one-in-three (37 per cent) metropolitan Australians have set their sights on regional Australia saying they would consider a future move, with cheaper cost of living, more affordable housing, and getting back to nature the top drivers for the change. While the younger cohorts are open to a life beyond the city limits, 64 per cent of Baby Boomers surveyed said they are staying put. RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the regional dream is the new Australian dream and there is a demographic shift on the horizon. “The cliche is that older metro-dwellers look to the regions when they retire, but in fact the desire for the younger cohort to make the shift from our cities is increasing.The secret is out that regional Australia has a lot to offer younger people – this is why we say the future of Australia is regional. “This is a wake-up call for employers and policy makers. Young people are not just chasing a tree change, they’re looking for career opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and communities where they can thrive. Regional Australia is increasingly seen as a place where you can get ahead and enjoy a balanced life,” Ms Ritchie said. The market research commissioned by the RAI, and undertaken by YouGov, showed 61 per cent of Gen Z city workers said a salary increase was the number one factor that would persuade them to take a job outside metropolitan Australia. A financial incentive, for example, a relocation payment (49 per cent), and faster career progression (45 per cent) rounded out the top three factors this cohort were chasing when considering a regional career. 7 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 08, ISSUE 02
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx