Hit the road Jack : issues of commuting for families relocating to non-metropolitan areas in Australia

Historically, people have left rural centres seeking a better lifestyle and improved employment opportunities in major capitai cities. In the past few years in Australia this process has been reversed . Many famil ies are now looking to relocate to places outside of major cities and, are doing so in increasing ly large numbers. 'Tree changers', 'sea changers' and those seeking more affordable accommodation and lifestyles have relocated to rural, regional and coastal areas away from major centres. This development highlights the issue of mmmuting for work and for other services. Many families who relocate away from main centres experience disadvantage and risk of vulnerability to social exclusion due to lengthy travel periods and time spent away from home and loved ones. In this study we report on our findings from a broader Australian Research Council funded three year research project about why families with young children aged 0-8 years relocate to non-metropolitan areas. Other Industry Partners involved in the project include The Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR - a branch of Queensland Treasury, Australia), The Benevolent Society and Mission Australia.