Regional migration advocates call for campaign highlighting opportunities in regional areas

With Australia's population nearing 25-million, and 87 per cent of skilled migrants choosing to settle in Melbourne and Sydney, the government says it wants to spread new arrivals across the country.

with proper support and a commitment to improving infrastructure, transport and economic opportunities, the government can ensure the retention of migrants Source: AAP

New migrants aren't aware there are abundant opportunities in  regional and rural areas, says the Settlement Council of Australia.

And it says that's why almost 90 per cent of skilled migrants tend to settle in Melbourne and Sydney. 

It's calling on the government to invest in marketing that highlights what the regions have to offer.