Regional South Australia
With so many different landscapes, climates and attractions, regional South Australia offers something for everyone. From the picturesque rolling hills and plains, to rugged coastlines, expansive grasslands and the meandering Murray River, our regions are dynamic, full of opportunity, embrace diversity and offer lifestyle affordability.
It’s perhaps not surprising that approximately one-third of South Australia’s population lives outside Adelaide. Large regional towns include Mount Gambier, Whyalla, Murray Bridge, Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Port Lincoln. Smaller regional centres have special places in the hearts of their residents – community spirit and pride make small-town living a fantastic experience.
Key industries in regional South Australia include agriculture, horticulture, wine, aquaculture and fishing, mining, health, education, engineering, manufacturing, transport, tourism and hospitality. So if you’re seeking sunshine, fresh air, open spaces and a supportive community – welcome to regional South Australia!
Great lifestyle
Regional South Australians are known for their no-fuss, laid-back approach to life. Friendly neighbours, sense of community and a safe family environment are an integral part of life in the regions. Getting around isn’t a problem – country locations are accessible through an extensive road network, and larger towns and cities are well serviced by an excellent bus network. Airports in major centres enable quick trips to major cities.
There’s a climate to suit everyone, too. The northern and central parts of the State might suit those who prefer the heat while the southern parts of the State are characterised by milder summers and cooler winters.
For further information please visit:
Department of Trade and Economic Development – www.southaustralia.biz
Immigration SA – www.migration.sa.gov.au
South Australian Tourism Commission – www.southaustralia.com
Working in the regions
South Australia has a low unemployment rate, with some specific skill shortages in certain regions. Trade positions are in high demand across all industries and much of regional South Australia. Skills in demand include electricians, motor mechanics, diesel mechanics, metal fabricators, welders, butchers, chefs, engineers, teachers and skilled agriculture workers.
Health professionals – doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and mental-health workers – are also in demand. To look for work in regional South Australia, use the internet, check out the employment section in local newspapers or approach businesses directly.
For many occupations, working in rural areas increases the opportunity of advancing your career at a faster rate. There are plenty of possibilities when it comes to working for a company or organisation, or owning a small business in regional South Australia.
For further information please visit:
Australian Job Search – www.jobsearch.gov.au
Immigration SA – www.migration.sa.gov.au
Job search engines – www.careerone.com.au,
www.mycareer.com.au,
www.seek.com.au.
Living in the regions
You’ll be pleased to know that living in the regions is not expensive. Costs of living vary depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Local shops and stores keep general goods and services costs as low as possible.
Most supermarkets, regardless of size, offer regular weekly discounts on grocery lines as a matter of course. Just about every country area has its own local produce available at good prices. For more remote areas, regular deliveries service the local population.
Many country areas offer affordable, quality housing for purchase. If you would like to get out of the rental market, this is a fantastic opportunity to own the home you’ve always dreamed about. On average, rental prices on properties in regional South Australia are lower than those in the cities.
For further information please visit:
Home Start Finance – www.homestart.com.au
Real Estate Institute of South Australia – www.reisa.com.au
Real Estate.com.au – www.realestate.com.au
The great outdoors
Regional South Australia offers extensive sporting opportunities and leisure pursuits. Local sporting and interest clubs welcome new members and help form the heart of small communities. Australian Rules Football, fishing, tennis, diving, netball and orienteering are just a few of the activities that will keep you in the great outdoors! Each region is home to its own unique wildlife, much of which can be seen in natural habitats. Watch whales near Victor Harbor or Ceduna, view sea lions off Kangaroo Island, spot water birds in the Murray River National Park or hug a koala at Cleland Wildlife Park.
Diving is also great here – from wrecks on the Fleurieu Reef and Yorke Peninsula to the world-renowned Nuyts Archipelago near Whyalla. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, walking trails abound in South Australia. The Heysen Trail is the longest dedicated trail of its kind in Australia. For a slice of the past, many small towns have local museums or town heritage walks and you can explore indigenous history in the Flinders Ranges, mining history in Whyalla or on Yorke Peninsula and farming history in the Mid North.
For further information please visit:
Department for Environment and Heritage – www.environment.sa.gov.au/heritage
www.parks.sa.gov.au
South Australia Tourism Commission – www.southaustralia.com
Be Active – www.beactive.com.au
History Trust of South Australia – www.history.sa.gov.au
Australian Government’s Culture and Recreation Portal –
www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au
Top of the class
Major country centres and, in some cases, even the smallest country towns are well resourced with government and non-government education, from preschool to primary
and secondary school. English-language support is provided for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. Access to tertiary and technical education is supported through a network of TAFE SA campuses, private providers and universities offering flexible course delivery.
A healthy alternative
Non-metropolitan South Australia is well supported by an extensive network of health services that include hospitals both large and small, regional health services, general-practice surgeries and (depending on your location) visiting or resident specialists.
Community health centres provide all regional South Australians with access to specific services such as mental health, aged care, women’s health and child/youth health programs. If you live in a remote area and require emergency or regular treatment, the air ambulance and the Royal Flying Doctor Service will help.
For further information please visit:
Department of Health – www.health.sa.gov.au
South Australian Ambulance Service – www.saambulance.com.au
Royal Flying Doctor Service – www.flyingdoctor.net
Eat, drink and relax
On any weekend during the year, a festival or event is taking place somewhere in regional South Australia. It might be a food and wine festival, a pageant, agricultural show, or a farmer’s market selling local produce. Regional South Australia offers its own unique blend of activities, with something to suit everyone. The State’s clean, green environment provides an abundance of fresh produce and seafood. Wining and dining in the country is a sensational experience. Country pubs are famous for their hospitality, great meals and characters!
For further information please visit:
South Australian Tourism Commission – www.southaustralia.com
Country Arts SA – www.countryarts.org.au
CISA Events Pool – www.eventspool.com
The Northern Region
The Northern Region of South Australia covers 80 per cent of the State and has a population of approximately 35,000 people. The seaside city of Port Augusta, with a population of 14,000, is the major service centre for the region and has all the facilities of a modern city. Major industries in the region are tourism, agriculture and, in particular, mining. The Northern Region is home to the mining boom that South Australia is experiencing. It includes BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam mine, with a proposed expansion that would make it the largest mine in the Southern Hemisphere. As well as BHP Billiton, there are numerous other significant mining operations in the region, making for excellent employment opportunities in the mining industry and supporting services. The Northern Region is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions – one that welcomes new people and new businesses.
www.nrdb.com.au
www.flindersoutback.com
www.cooberpedy.com.au
Whyalla Region
Whyalla is a city of contrasts that is supported by the mining and manufacturing industries. It offers an idyllic lifestyle with beautiful beaches, the outback and 301 days of sunshine a year. The city has great shopping, sporting, education and social facilities, making it an attractive location for families and individuals alike.
www.wedb.com.au
The Riverland Region
The Riverland is a busy region and home to 34,000 people, located only 2.5 hours north-east of Adelaide. The population is spread over five major towns: Renmark, Loxton, Berri, Barmera and Waikerie. Each of these vibrant centres nestles on the banks of the Murray River in a beautiful area of high-yielding vineyards, orchards, dryland farming and spectacular scenery.
www.riverlandonline.com
www.riverland.info
Murraylands Region
The Murraylands is bestowed with a diversity of landscapes, from the meandering Murray River and the broad expanse of the Mallee country to the dunes and waterways of the Coorong and Lakes region. The Murraylands Region also has a great climate and lifestyle. It’s often referred to as ‘the region of opportunity’.
www.murraylands.org.au
www.murraylands.info
Barossa and Light Region
The Barossa and Light Region offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle in a rural setting, just one hour north-east of Adelaide. Its proximity to Adelaide makes it an attractive option for migrants who fall in love with the beauty of the vineyards, undulating hills and renowned hospitality. The fine wine and food that are so popular with tourists is an everyday pleasure for the people who live here. And the region has the bonus of excellent schools, health services and sporting facilities. The Barossa has been named one of the world’s 53 must-see destinations (and the only Australian destination) listed by The New York Times, 2008.
www.bld.org.au
www.barossa.com
www.kapundatourism.com.au
Mid North Region
Situated two hours north-west of Adelaide, the Mid North is a region of plains, pastures, vineyards and valleys. The region is home to the famous and beautiful Clare Valley, renowned for its wine and tourism. Its vast pastoral country supports substantial industries involving agriculture, sheep, manufacturing, and an emerging animal industry focusing
on pigs and poultry. The Mid North has a laid-back lifestyle, country charm and
traditional hospitality.
www.mnrdb.com.au
www.clarevalley.com.au
www.flindersoutback.com
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third largest island, is located 15 km off the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula and is home to 4,500 residents. The Island is recognised as a tourism icon, attracting 150,000 visitors annually. Kangaroo Island also has important industries – primary production, fishing, forestry and aquaculture.
www.kangarooisland.org
www.tourkangarooisland.com.au
Fleurieu Region
The Fleurieu Peninsula is just a one-hour drive from Adelaide and is one of South Australia’s most popular tourist areas. The region is home to 32,000 people and has magnificent swimming and surfing beaches, food and wine experiences, river ports, whale watching and quality golf courses. In all, it’s an attractive place to live, visit and do business.
www.frd.org.au
www.fleurieupeninsula.com.au
Yorke Region
The Yorke Region comprises the ‘boot-shaped’ Yorke Peninsula and the Adelaide Plains. The Peninsula is two and a half hours from Adelaide and has major appeal as a seaside destination, while the Plains offer rural living and affordable land within easy commuting distance of Adelaide. The Yorke Peninsula is recognised as a rich cereal, pulse, wool and prime lamb-producing area and is rapidly expanding into pig and poultry production and processing. With its proud history of agricultural success and strong sense of community, it offers enormous economic and lifestyle advantages.
www.yorkeregion.com.au
www.yorkepeninsula.com.au
www.adelaideplainsmarketing.com.au
The Limestone Coast
Situated halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne in the southern part of the state, the Limestone Coast Region supports a population of more than 63,000. Primary industries thrive on fertile soils and a reliable water supply. Clean oceans and lush pastures provide a bounty of fresh produce, complementing a variety of tourism activities and local industries such as forestry, agriculture and wine. Picturesque harbour towns, world-famous vineyards and unique geological features make this region the ultimate lifestyle choice.
www.lcrdb.com
www.thelimestonecoast.com
Eyre Region
The Eyre Peninsula is an area of rich and diverse industries that produce one third of the state’s grain harvest and more than 70 per cent of its seafood and aquaculture produce. The region’s population has recorded a steady growth of 3.5 per cent per annum in the past five years with increased mineral exploration and expanding tourism and aquaculture areas. The Eyre region is prosperous and picturesque, with 2,000 km of pristine coastline, interior farming land and the spectacular Gawler Ranges in the North. The region’s two main centres – Port Lincoln and Ceduna – have key regional infrastructure and health services supporting this dynamic and culturally significant area of South Australia.
www.erdb.org.au
Southern Flinders Ranges Region
The Southern Flinders Ranges Region includes the city of Port Pirie as its regional centre, 225 km north of Adelaide on Spencer Gulf. The economy of the region is largely based on agriculture and resource processing. Port Pirie is home to the largest lead smelter in the world, producing high volumes of zinc, silver, copper and gold. The region provides retail, commercial and community services for a population of about 23,400. Agriculture remains the most significant economic activity in the region surrounding Port Pirie. The major agricultural activities are cropping, farming sheep for wool production, prime lambs and beef cattle.
www.sfrdb.com.au
www.flindersoutback.com
www.southernflindersranges.com.au
Adelaide Hills Region
The Adelaide Hills Region offers 1,389 square km of business and lifestyle potential, right on the doorstep of Adelaide. A scenic landscape, high rainfall, temperate climate and accessible road network have provided an enviable foundation for agricultural, wine and tourism development for 70,000 residents and more than 750,000 day trippers each year.
www.adelaidehills.com.au
www.visitadelaidehills.com.au
To find out more about living and working in South Australia, visit our websites:
www.migration.sa.gov.au
www.southaustralia.biz
Or contact us at:
Immigration SA
Level 10, 50 Pirie Street,
PO Box. 1264, Adelaide SA, 5001
Telephone: 61 8 8204 9250
Fax: 61 8 8204 924
