The Turning Tide: Amenity Migration in Coastal Australia

Abstract

An enduring population movement led by alternative lifestylers, downshifters, economic migrants, and retirees continues to transform Australia's non-metropolitan coastal landscape. Dubbed ‘sea change’ in Australia, the movement is an expression of the international phenomenon known as amenity migration. A defining quality of amenity migration is that migrants move for lifestyle, rather than jobs, choosing places with natural amenity, climate, recreation, and affordable housing. This article examines the social and environmental implications of this movement for fragile coastal landscapes in coastal Australia, drawing on population census data (1991–2006) for a sample of 67 affected communities.

Notes

The 2006 Census Time Series Profiles (ABS catalogue No. 2003.0 released November 2007) is used for comparable time series data collected for the 1996, 2001, and 2006 Census. Time series data includes all those enumerated on census night, including visitors. The time series data provides a useful comparison of different demographic trends over time, but is likely to include a proportion of non residents. From the 2006 Census, Basic Community Profile data available by local government areas links people to their place of ‘usual residence’ — the place where each person has lived or intends to live for six months or more from the reference date of data collection, so excluding visitors (ABS catalogue No. 2001.0, released November 2007). This data was used to analyse trends in migration across the LGAs in the sample. Estimated Resident Population data for 2001–2006, released by the ABS is also used. This data is preliminary for 2002–2006, based on results of the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, and final for 1996–2001. Estimated Resident Population data is useful for analysis of population growth in particular as it provides an indication of relative growth trends across all LGAs in Australia. The Estimated Resident Population data is sourced from the ABS's Regional Population Growth 2001–2001, ABS catalogue No. 3218.0 (February and October 2007). Local government area estimates are compiled from ‘statistical local areas’, which are the base spatial unit for statistical collection in the inter-census periods. Estimates are based on mathematical projections, which draw on available data indicators, like dwelling approvals, electricity connections, medicare enrolments and drivers licenses. The final estimates are then assessed by population analysts. ‘Local knowledge’, such as advice from local government, may be used to adjust total figures.