Western Australia is becoming one of the most desirable regions worldwide for migration. In rickety financial times, Western Australia boasts prosperous industries, an ascending economy and a rapidly-increasing population.
To understand the benefits of life in Perth and Western Australia, we got in contact with Jarrod Ferguson, Migration Manager at the Western Australian Government Office, Europe. The following are the main reasons why people from around the world are uprooting their lives to start anew in Western Australia.
1. WA has prospering industries – it is not just about mining
The idea of Western Australia as a mining hub remains true but it is not the full picture. The economic growth that the state has experienced from the resources sector has incurred growth in additional industries, notably healthcare, real estate, tourism, and agriculture.
“Many people associate WA with the mining and resources sectors,” says Ferguson. “While these industries are important to the state’s economy, the types of skilled opportunities on offer are now more likely to be found outside those industries.”
“For example, Perth is currently undergoing a hospital building ‘mini-boom’, creating a need for thousands of healthcare workers, particularly doctors, nurses and midwives.”
2. WA needs skilled migrants to fill in the gaps
“The state also experiences certain skill shortages owing to a relatively small population, meaning that people with relevant skills can really shine,” says Ferguson.
The population of Western Australia grew 3.1% from the previous year which makes it by far the fastest growing state in Australia in terms of headcount. In spite of strong growth, it is still only the number four most populous state in the country with 2.5 million residents in 2013.
Despite the relatively low population and thirst for workers, Ferguson reminds potential migrants that thorough visa requirements are still firmly in place.
“Not everyone can migrate and this has a lot to do with visa eligibility,” he says. “Australia’s visa system prioritises skilled migrants who are in demand in Australia. Not everyone will have the necessary qualifications or meet the relevant criteria.”
3. WA residents have an enviable quality of life
The Economist Intelligence Unit consistently rates Perth among the top 10 liveable cities, based on the availability of goods and services, safety and effective infrastructure.
Western Australia also experiences the most hours of sunshine among any state in Australia. This translates to more time spent outdoors at your choice of beaches. Not to mention, any parent can tell you of the joys of raising children in a place where winter does not exist.
For those coming from countries where space is scarce and square metres are a precious resource, Western Australia still has ample land for new family houses.
“Building a large detached open-plan home on a block of land with a pool is really popular with new arrivals,” says Ferguson, “and eligible new permanent migrants are able to access a grant from the Government toward the purchase of a new home.”
4. WA has a positive outlook in the foreseeable future
WA’s accent on resources has become less of a focus recently as other industries come up to speed. In an already economically-stable country, Western Australia proves to be the fastest growing state.
“WA’s economy has outperformed the rest of Australia and people are aware that there are more career and earning opportunities available in WA than elsewhere,” says Ferguson.
While the east coast states are still wealthier and more populous, WA has the strongest forward momentum with more potential to unlock.
WA has a lot of desirable elements working in its favour but Ferguson reminds anyone thinking of making the serious decision to migrate to look before leaping. “It’s important to be realistic and practical when you make the decision to migrate,” he says.
WAGO promotes Western Australia as an attractive destination for investment, visitors, migrants and students. Click here to find out more about WAGO.
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