State governments are now able to decide their own immigration policies, an increase in migrants settling in regional areas is hoped to follow.
Martin Ferguson, the Federal Resource minister, says that improvements to regional infrastructure, including schools, roads and utilities are all parts of the plan to accommodate their arrival.
Indian Renmark resident, Harvinder Singh says living in a regional area is similar to his experience of village life in India. “People in villages know each other whereas in big cities you don’t even know your next door neighbour. It’s nice over here. The people are friendly; you know… it’s a good lifestyle.”
Owner of the Renmark Riverview Cafe, Thanh Tran, from Vietnam agreed, “It’s a good idea migrating here; we need more people with good skills. I plan to live in Riverland for years, we have a house and I’m happy with it. Everyday to me is a happy day.”
Renmark is a town in South Australia’s rural Riverland area, and is located 254 km northeast of Adelaide, on the banks of the River Murray.
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