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.