A mass exodus is underway from Sydney, as the city witnesses an unprecedented surge in overseas immigration, setting new records. In the year leading up to September, Australia welcomed a staggering 548,800 migrants, marking a 2.5 percent increase in population growth – the most significant since the early 1950s, despite a notable dip in the birthrate.
Sydney, notorious for its sky-high housing costs, ranks among the least affordable cities globally. This financial strain has prompted many of its residents to seek more affordable living conditions elsewhere, even as the influx of international migrants continues to rise.
Over the span of a year, New South Wales saw 33,202 of its residents relocate to other states, while welcoming 186,433 new faces from overseas. However, even after accounting for the internal migration, NSW still had to accommodate 153,231 newcomers, in addition to 32,893 new births.
This significant migration has resulted in NSW experiencing a population growth rate of 2.3 percent, which is below the national average, trailing behind states like Western Australia, Queensland, and Victoria. Tasmania stands out as the only state with a zero natural increase rate, having seen 3,079 residents move while gaining 4,400 international migrants, leading to a modest population rise of 0.3 percent.
Sydney’s median house price has soared to $1.396 million, significantly outpacing Brisbane’s $899,474, according to CoreLogic data. This disparity underscores the affordability crisis that is driving residents away in search of better living conditions.
Queensland has emerged as the most popular destination for interstate migration, with an influx of 32,625 people, complemented by 87,954 overseas migrants. This has resulted in a net population increase of 120,579, before accounting for 23,010 net births, positioning Queensland’s growth rate slightly above the national average at 2.7 percent.
Victoria and Western Australia have also seen substantial growth, driven by both interstate migration and international arrivals. Melbourne, despite its colder climate, continues to attract residents with its more affordable housing options in the outskirts. Meanwhile, Perth’s housing market has witnessed a significant price surge, with the median house price jumping by 18.6 percent over the past year to $718,560.
Conversely, the Northern Territory has experienced the largest interstate migration loss, overshadowing its modest gain from overseas migration, resulting in a mere 0.7 percent population growth.
The Australian Capital Territory, covering Canberra, has also seen a below-average growth rate, despite welcoming 8,792 international migrants.
As Australia’s population reaches 26.8 million, immigration remains a pivotal factor, accounting for 83.2 percent of the country’s population growth in the year to September. This period saw 548,800 new migrants and 111,100 new births, highlighting a significant shift towards a more diverse population fabric.
Amidst these demographic changes, calls for a public vote on immigration policy have emerged, with figures like One Nation leader Pauline Hanson advocating for Australians to have a say in shaping the nation’s approach to immigration and multiculturalism.
As Australia navigates these complex demographic dynamics, the debate over immigration policy continues to unfold, reflecting the broader challenges and opportunities that come with managing population growth in a rapidly changing world.