Why don't Australia encourage immigration to Australia's smaller cities?

Question

Currently, I think the majority of immigrations coming to Australia are going to the big cities, mainly Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. To prevent these cities from getting too over populated, why don't the Australian government encourage immigration to the smaller towns and cities such as; Wagga Wagga, Rockhampton, Cairns, Townsville - maybe even Canberra.

I feel these towns would very much welcome expansion and would take the strain off Australia's bigger cities. Admittedly, the smaller cities may not attract Australians, and many immigrants from first world countries; but I think the opportunities and infrastructure available in the smaller cities would be very attractive to immigrants from significantly poorer nations.

What do you think?

Answer 1

They do encourage it and they give visas on the understanding that a professional (ie Doctor) moves to a smaller community for a period of no less than 12 months.

Answer 2

Employment is the reason. If they're a skilled worker and are needed in the city thats where they stay. Immigrants are more likely to feel comfortable in a big town where there are other people of their nationality then in a small town where racism could be an issue.

Answer 3

Actually, they are already doing that to a certain extent.  I have heard of a number of people which have migrated on a skilled labour visa and where specifically told that they had live is Tasmania for a minimum of 2 years.

Answer 4

The Australian government is trying to get immigrants as well as Australians to move to regional cities and the country.  I think it is a world-wide problem.  Young people in particular are drawn to the big cities.

Answer 5

the smaller the town the lesser the work.They do encourage people to move out to smaller country towns (theres ads on telly...) but serously, would a 30 y.o. person with a good job, a house and a family move out to such a smaller place???

To do what??? I always said theres no way i could ever move out to a small town: no shopping centres, no KFC, Maccas, hungry Jacks... c'mon......

Answer 6

I think it'll take a lot more in the way of immigration to make anywhere in Australia 'over populated'!!

Answer 7

There's much more available employment in & around the larger Aussie cities. That's why the govt. tries to attract immigrants to the cities.

So they will be able to find jobs when they arrive here.

Answer 8

Since employment is the main reason why people migrate to Australia, they live in big cities.

Answer 9

Once here immigrants can live wherever they choose. However there is more employment in and around capital cities but immigrants are all over the country not just in capital cities.