Regional Flavour - Part One
Going regional doesn't mean going to a tiny town in the middle of nowhere (though this is certainly an option if that appeals!). There are a number of beautiful places in Australia for migrants interested in the new Subclass 491 and 494 Regional Provisional visas. In part one, we look at some of the eastern states of Australia.Queensland
Hervey Bay
A coastal city in southern Queensland, approximately 3.5 hours' drive north from the capital, Brisbane. The 'Whale Watch Capital of the world', Hervey Bay is known for its sheltered, safe waters and easy access to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Growing industries in this region include Health Care and Social Assistance (including Aged Care), Construction, Tourism and Hospitality, and Manufacturing.Cairns
The 'Gateway to Queensland's tropical north', Cairns boasts an international airport, several universities and colleges, and a booming agricultural hub. Let's not forget the beautiful Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest only a short distance away. The Cairns Regional Council has tipped Tourism, International Education, Agribusiness, and the Marine industry as growth industry sectors in their strategic planning.New South Wales
Tamworth
Love your country music? Tamworth in northeast New South Wales is known for its annual Country Music Festival - which draws big-name international acts - as well as its Big Golden Guitar! Home to fertile farmland and wine country, foodies delight in paddock-to-plate dining and cellar door tastings of the region's finest wares. Health Care, Retail Trade, Manufacturing, Education, Agriculture, and Nature tourism are key industries for this town and surrounds.Byron Bay
Located on the far north coast of NSW, Byron Bay is actually closer to Brisbane in the next state over than it is to its capital, Sydney. Known for its beach-side lifestyle and celebrity visitors, Byron is quickly transforming from a sleepy town to a bustling mini-metropolis. The main industry is of course Tourism and related services, but thriving sectors include Information Technology, Transportation, Construction, Agriculture, and Creative industries.Victoria
Ballarat
Once one of the richest places in Australia thanks to extensive gold fields in the area, Ballarat is an important historical and cultural site in regional Victoria. Ballarat is home to Sovereign Hill, a recreation of the town in the 1850s during the gold rush, which is a major tourist attraction in Victoria. Key industries in this area include Services (Tourism, Hospitality, and Professional Services), Manufacturing, Mining, Agriculture, Information Technology and Renewable Energy.Mildura
With a Mediterranean climate, Mildura is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts - think world heritage national parks, pink lakes, native wildlife, and indigenous culture. There are also plenty of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, with boating, water-sports, and golf on offer. Victoria's Food Bowl has thriving Agriculture and Horticulture industries, along with Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Tourism, Construction, and Mining.Check out Part Two for a look at the Central and Western states of Australia. A list of regional postcodes is available here.
