THE Coffs Harbour region has benefitted from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Regional Australia Report released this month.

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The REA Insights Regional Australia Report found the pandemic has led to changes to the way people work and a resurgence in the mining sector, which has driven people to move from capital city areas to regional areas located far from the city.

“Remote working as a result of COVID-19 is making a lifestyle change possible for some,” the report stated.

“Strengths in parts of the economy that are more COVID-19 resistant than others, in particular mining, is also sending people to regional communities.

“While the regional areas adjacent to capital cities have been popular prior to COVID-19, it is the more far flung areas that seem to have benefitted most from the pandemic.”

According to the report, the Coffs Harbour-Grafton area is benefitting from this lifestyle shift.

“The announcement of the Coffs Harbour bypass in this year’s Federal Budget will further benefit this part of New South Wales,” the report stated.

The value of properties in the Coffs Harbour-Grafton area rose by 8.7%, with $543,500 being the median price, and the area was second only in property value increases to the Western Australia Wheat Belt area for the three month period to September.

Coastal areas from the Mid North Coast up to the Queensland border were deemed to be the main beneficiaries of this regional shift.

“The coastal areas from the Mid North Coast up to the Queensland border have been experiencing strong growth post the pandemic, likely driven by strong interest from people located in capital cities, particularly Sydney,” the report stated.

“There has been a shift to regional areas over recent years as a result of affordability.”

By Emma DARBIN