Designated Regional Areas

Designated regional areas in Australia are specific geographic areas defined by the Australian Government for various purposes, including immigration policies, regional development, and incentives to encourage living and working in less populated areas. These areas are typically classified as Regional Australia and generally include regions outside major metropolitan cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

The definition of designated regional areas can vary depending on the visa subclass or program. However, some common criteria used to define these areas include:

1. State and Territory Nomination Lists: Each state and territory government maintains its own list of designated regional areas for skilled migration purposes. These lists often include regions that are undergoing economic growth or population development initiatives.
2. Regional Development Authorities: Various regional development authorities or agencies identify specific areas as designated regional zones to attract investment, businesses, and skilled workers.
3. Population Density: Areas with lower population density or those located outside major urban centers are often considered regional. This includes rural areas, smaller towns, and some peri-urban regions.
4. Economic Development Zones: Some regions are designated as economic development or special growth zones to promote investment, create jobs, and improve infrastructure. These zones may qualify as designated regional areas for migration purposes.
5. Visa Requirements: Different visa subclasses (such as the 491 and 494 regional visas) may have specific definitions of designated regional areas. Applicants should always refer to the relevant visa subclass guidelines for accurate and current definitions.

Examples of designated regional areas in Australia may include parts of regional New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. These regions often provide additional benefits to skilled migrants, such as priority visa processing, extra points on the points test, or eligibility for regional-sponsored visas.