Over the next 25 years, the metropolitan population of Sydney will grow by one million people. This equates roughly to 450,000 new homes being built, which is equal to the size of Adelaide and all its suburbs.
But we have no room and no new infrastructure, like roads, sewerage, water, power and public transport. And increasingly, we will have no workforce because younger people will not be able to afford to live in Sydney - the housing cost, transport, education. They are already searching for alternatives.
Expansion of Sydney has effectively been halted by the State Government not releasing land, plus the geographic barriers of the Hawkesbury River, the ocean, mountains and National Park to the south. By limiting land supply while the population continues to grow, home prices and the cost of living will inevitably increase. The Government now wants to encourage people to move to regional centres.
While the media talks about everybody heading for the coast, this not actually correct. The fastest growing regional NSW town is actually Maitland. Queanbeyan and Albury are not far behind (Source: ABS 2002-3).
Over 50? Regional New South Wales wants you
Moving to a regional area now makes even greater sense for people who are 50 or over, especially here in NSW. The major benefits are:
Country towns actually want you: They need your skills and want your money. They want you to continue working, if you wish. And for every new dollar you bring into a country town, $7 is generated in local business transactions.
Living costs less: Land and labour is cheaper in a country town, and that makes living easier. From housing, to entertainment, to rates and to insurance. And a simpler life means less to spend money on.
Cash to live on: Selling a family home in Sydney will usually free up cash and still allow you to buy a better home in the country while eliminating a mortgage or releasing cash to invest.
Healthier environment: Obviously the air is cleaner, but psychologically it is healthier in a country town as well, as people are less rushed and stressed. Big skies and clear nights compared to city traffic and smog.
Country towns are safer: Crime is significantly lower and the community spirit of watching out for your neighbour provides comfort that does not exist in the city.
You don't miss out on life: One of the most common criticisms of country life is that you miss the things that cities offer, like the theatre, cafes and shops. The reality is that statistically very few people go to the theatre or the CBD because of time pressures, traffic, security and no real interest. Most regional towns have very active theatre groups and shops equal to the city.
The next '30-year adventure'
Most of us will live to our 80s and 90s, so moving to a new town will be a longer journey than any in our adult life to date. The difference will be that you will know everybody in the town rather than just the neighbour on each side of you, like in the city.
