Darling Downs ‘front and centre’ in visa changes

TOOWOOMBA will be “front and centre” as a model for the Federal Government’s plan to overhaul Australia’s population strategy.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday announced migrants would have to live in regional areas for three years under changed visa conditions before being granted permanent residency.

It would keep 20,000 people out of capital cities and boost regional areas, particularly businesses needing skilled workers.

Groom MP John McVeigh said the Toowoomba and the Darling Downs would be “in the hot seat for such visas” due to the strength of the region’s economy.

“This is about getting skills into regional areas at the same time as relieving congestion in our urban areas,” Dr McVeigh said.

“We have small businesses calling out for skilled employees. “Toowoomba will be a focus, we will see other regional parts of Australia looked at as well, but I think we will be front and centre in taking up this opportunity.”

The visa changes will reduce the national migrant intake by 120,000 people over four years, and scholarships will be given to Australians and international students to study at regional universities.

Several agricultural occupations have been listed to open the program to more migrants in an effort to boost skilled worker numbers in regional areas.