More West Australians moving interstate as eastern states create more jobs

Sandgropers are trekking across the Nullarbor in droves, abandoning WA in search of richer economic pastures on the east coast.

WA has endured a net loss of more than 31,000 residents to interstate migration since the start of 2016 and is the only jurisdiction to lose inhabitants to every single other State and territory in that time.

When economic times get tough people begin to vote with their feet and the results for the past three years would indicate a belief that the grass is indeed greener on the other side.

Boasting a powerhouse resources sector then firing on all cylinders, more than 15,700 east coasters flocked to WA in 2011 and 2012, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

That trend has now reversed, with double that number exiting the State between 2016 and June this year

Young people and families are leading the charge with the bulk of interstate migrants children and those aged between 20 and 39.

Victoria is by far the most popular destination, accounting for 13,428 of those that have left, followed by New South Wales (7593) and Queensland (6821).

University of WA senior lecturer and urban planner Paul Maginn said the Victorian and NSW economies were growing faster than WA, creating more job opportunities.

“Melbourne and Sydney remain the top destination for international migrants too, especially students,” he said.

Brand planner Hayley Read moved to Melbourne last year in an attempt to turbocharge her career.

“I work in advertising and there are a lot more opportunities over there that line up with the kind of work I want to be doing,” she said.

“Being in Melbourne allows me to work with much bigger national brands that would never base themselves in Perth.”

She said many of her co-workers felt the same way and that 10 of the 12 in her department had moved to Victoria from other States.

Back in WA to visit her family for Christmas, Ms Read said she had embraced life in Melbourne but that Perth’s beaches were unrivalled.

“When you come back you really appreciate the amazing beaches we have right on our doorstep,” she said.

“It feels like being on holiday when all I’m doing is just hanging around with Mum.”