Young families who relocate to non-metropolitan areas : exploring policy responses for promoting social inclusion

In recent years, the population growth rates in parts of regional Australia have significantly outpaced those found in metropolitan areas. Escalating private housing costs and shifts in public housing policy have been identified as key drivers of this trend, though, there is evidence also that some households relocate to take advantage of the perceived lifestyle benefits offered by many nonmetropolitan areas. In this paper, we will report on the findings of the first two phases of a three year study about families with young children (0-8 years) who relocate to non-metropolitan areas. Drawing on demographic analysis of population trends and interviews with service providers and young families who have recently relocated, we will identify and discuss factors that motivate young families to relocate to non-metropolitan areas and factors that contribute to vulnerability to social exclusion and those that can promote inclusion. On the basis of this analysis, we will discuss policy approaches for optimising the social inclusion of young families relocating to non-metropolitan areas.