G'day Norm,
Not sure I agree completely.
There are of course people who, for un fathomable reasons choose to live in the big smoke. Often has something to do with the wife not wanting to be too far from myers
For many, too, there is some sort of stigma attached to living in Tamworth, Horsham, Mackay, etc. and those that do are worthy of derision. There are some people you just can't help.
We have had trouble recruiting properly qualified people to work in our neck of the woods for the reasons I mention above and also that we pay less. What they don't realise (and quite frankly can't get into their thick heads) is that the cost of real estate, far smaller commute etc means they would be actually better off! Yes, folks, there are some really nice parts of this country where houses are affordable.
And what of retirees? Sure, live in the city while you have to but once retired, get out, get some space and some peace and quiet!
Government policy settings also plays a massive part in all this. With the right setting many organisations could very easily relocate to regional area.
Cheers,
