Australian Government Announced Multi-Year Migration Planning Level: What Does It Mean and How Will It Affect Your Migration Plan?
The Australian Government has made a significant shift in its approach to the Migration Planning Level. Moving from an annual to a multi-year model, the planning horizon is now extended to four years from 2025-26 onwards. This strategic move ensures that migration policy is closely aligned with long-term infrastructure, housing, and service needs across all levels of Government.
For the first time, housing supply will be integrated as a central factor in setting the migration targets. It’s to ensure population growth doesn’t outpace available accommodation. Consultation between federal and state authorities is ongoing, with public input sessions scheduled later in 2025.
Here are the details of what benefits the multi-year migration planning will bring to the Australian migration program and how it will affect your plan.
Key benefits of the Multi-Year Migration Planning Level
Here are some key benefits of implementing the multi-year migration planning level:
- Enhanced predictability for employers, state governments, and infrastructure planners.
- Better coordination of migration with housing, transport, and health systems.
- Stronger alignment between skilled migration intake and regional workforce needs.
Regional Migration “Hotspots” with Opportunity
In this new multi-year migration planning level, the Government is also highlighting regional cities with strong demand for skills and development opportunities.
Regional cities like Bundaberg, Bunbury, and Rockhampton offer unique opportunities. They provide affordable housing, employment opportunities in various fields, and a chance to experience a different lifestyle.
Read more: Reason to Live and Work in Australian Regional Area – Complete Information
1. Bundaberg, Queensland
Bundaberg is a regional city in Queensland, Australia. It is located approximately 360 km north of Brisbane and 15 km inland from the Coral Sea. It sits on the banks of the Burnett River, close to stunning coastal and reef destinations, including Mon Repos and Lady Elliot Island, which provide access to the Great Barrier Reef.
Bundaberg is known for its friendly, laid-back community and affordable lifestyles, making it attractive for families, retirees, and working holidaymakers.
Living in Bundaberg is significantly more affordable than in major cities like Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne. The housing is cheaper, and traffic is minimal. It offers a balanced lifestyle with coastal living, nature access, and essential amenities.
Some job opportunities you can find in Bundaberg are:
- Fruit picking, farm labour, packing, for the agriculture sector.
- Nursing and aged care in the healthcare sector.
- Seasonal work and hotel staff, if you’re interested in the Hospitality & Tourism sector.
- Mechanics, electricians, and chefs, if you’re looking into the skilled trades sector.
You can also find great local schools and TAFE institutions here. The CQUniversity Bundaberg campus offers tertiary programs, mainly in nursing, education, and business. So, you don’t need to worry about access to education here.
Bundaberg is also part of a Designated Regional Area under Australia’s migration program, which means:
- Pathway through regional visas, such as Visa 491 & 190, is available
- You may get a point boost of 15 points for the regional nomination
- Easier pathways to Permanent Residency via regional settlement
- Supports DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) opportunities for specific occupations.
2. Bunbury, Western Australia
Bunbury is a coastal city in the South West region of Western Australia, about 175 km south of Perth. It is located on the Indian Ocean, surrounded by Koombana Bay, Leschenault Inlet, and scenic beaches. It’s the third-largest city in Western Australia after Perth and Mandurah.
Though it’s considered a big city, Bunbury offers more affordable housing than Perth. It also provides a coastal lifestyle with a mix of urban amenities and regional charm. It’s great for families, young professionals, and retirees.
Bunbury has a diversified economy, with opportunities in:
- Healthcare & Aged care
- Mining & engineering
- Education & Training
- Construction & Trades
- Hospitality, Retail & Tourism
- Agriculture & Viticulture
Bunbury also provides excellent public facilities and services with Bunbury Regional Hospital as the major hospital, public & private schools, TAFE and Edith Cowan University (ECU) – South West Campus.
Bunbury is also part of the Designated Regional Area, making it attractive for migrants seeking:
- Pathway to subclass 491, 494, 482 and 186 visas
- 15 extra points for regional nomination under Skilled Migration
- Eligibility for PR pathways after living and working in the region
- Regional occupation lists are often broader than metro areas
3. Rockhampton, Queensland
Rockhampton is a regional city in Central Queensland, located about 600 km north of Brisbane and 40 km inland from the Capricorn Coast. It is known as the “Beef Capital of Australia”. It’s situated along the Fitzroy River and close to coastal hubs like Yeppoon and Great Keppel Island.
Rockhampton has a laid-back, country-city blend and a strong community feel. The community is increasingly diverse due to student migration and regional visa settlement.
Rockhampton offers affordable housing, low congestion, and a relaxed lifestyle, so it’s suitable for families, skilled workers, and students.
The key industries in Rockhampton are:
- Beef production & agriculture
- Healthcare & social assistance
- Education & training
- Construction & trades
- Mining support services
Skilled occupations like nurses, chefs, mechanics, engineers, early childhood educators, and agricultural technicians are in demand.
Rockhampton is home to great educational institutions with Central Queensland University (CQU), TAFE Queensland campus, as well as public and private schools. It also offers excellent healthcare with Rockhampton Hospital as the major public hospital for Central Queensland.
Rockhampton is a Designated Regional Area, making it an attractive destination for migrants seeking PR pathways with:
- Available path with 491, 186, 191 visa (depending on the occupation too).
- 15 extra points for regional nomination, if applying for the Skilled Migration program.
- Strong participation in the DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) via Central Queensland DAMA.
If you need more options, this article might help you: Best Australian State to Live in: 2025 Guide for You
What does it mean to you?
Australia’s shift to a multi-year migration planning level marks a new era of strategic alignment between migration intake and national infrastructure priorities. By including housing supply planning, the Government aims to reduce sudden pressures on communities across the country.
For skilled migrants, emerging regional areas like Bundaberg, Bunbury, and Rockhampton offer a compelling blend of employer demand, lifestyle appeal, and PR pathways. These regions fit perfectly with the Government’s policy direction and provide excellent opportunities for long-term settlement.
If this caught your interest and you want to discuss the best visa option that suits your goals and situation, our Migration Agent is available for a private consultation. Click the picture below to secure your spot now:
How ONEderland Consulting Can Assist You
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist you in navigating your migration plan according to the latest Australian Migration updates. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
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Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at visa@onederland.com.au, by phone at 1300 827 159, or through WhatsApp at +61494367258. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
