Is the Term Regional NSW an Officially Defined Boundary in NSW? Similarities with Greater Sydney
The term 'regional' in New South Wales (NSW) can be quite problematic due to the various government definitions that frequently change to suit government needs. Unlike the more clearly defined Greater Sydney region, the boundaries of 'regional' areas in NSW are less concrete. This article will explore the misleading nature of the term and provide clarity on its usage, especially in the context of immigration, postcodes, and government policies.
Confusion and Flexibility in Defining Regional Areas
On the surface, it might seem that anything outside Greater Sydney is considered regional. However, both Newcastle and Wollongong, which are major population centers immediately north and south of Sydney, are often excluded from categorization as part of Greater Sydney. But historically, Newcastle and Wollongong have been classified as both regional and metropolitan areas depending on the government's objectives. Thus, there is no clearly defined boundary between Greater Sydney and the surrounding regions; it is more of a fluid concept determined by the government's discretion.
Implications for Immigration
From an immigration perspective, the terms 'regional NSW,' 'Greater Sydney,' and others like 'Regional Victoria' or 'Regional Queensland' come into play. For instance, skilled individuals are readily available in Sydney, which does not face a shortage of talent. In contrast, regional areas experience a significant lack of skilled workers due to the perception of these regions as unattractive living areas. Even though someone might find employment as a doctor, dentist, or nurse in a regional area, issues arise with spouses, education, and job opportunities for children. This highlights the challenges and misconceptions faced by people moving to regional areas in Australia.
Official Boundaries: Postcode Identification
For immigration visa purposes, the designated regional areas outside Greater Sydney can be pinpointed using postcode boundaries. According to official Australian government guidelines, the following postcodes are categorized as 'regional' in NSW:
2259 - 2308, 2500 - 2526, 2528 - 2535, and 2574 2250 - 2258, 2260 - 2263, 2311 - 2490, 2527, 2536 - 2551, 2575 - 2739, 2753 - 2754, 2756 - 2758, and 2773 - 2898These postcodes represent the officially designated regional areas within NSW. Importantly, these boundaries are not officially defined in law and may change as the boundaries of Greater Sydney expand over time. Each person's perception of where the boundary lies can vary, leading to ongoing discussions and sometimes misunderstandings in the community.
Conclusion
The term 'regional NSW' is not a clearly defined boundary in law and varies according to the government's objectives. While Newcastle and Wollongong, located north and south of Greater Sydney, are often excluded from Greater Sydney, they can be considered part of regional NSW from an immigration standpoint. Understanding the official postcodes for regional areas is crucial for immigration purposes, but the fluid definition of these regions highlights the ongoing challenges and ambiguities faced by individuals and governments alike.