Mark Ludlow Jan 5, 2022
Queensland’s status as Australia’s population magnet has been strengthened by the COVID-19 pandemic, with annual net interstate migration for the Sunshine State at its highest level in almost 20 years.
Although overseas migration has fallen considerably after international borders were mostly closed in early 2020, lockdowns in NSW and Victoria took their toll on many southerners and they headed for warmer climes and a relatively COVID-free existence.
Even the opening of Queensland’s borders to NSW and Victoria in December – and the inevitable spread of COVID-19 to the state – is not expected to curb the interstate migration push as young families chase job opportunities and cheaper housing.