Make A Rational Location Change Due To The Constantly Increasing Cost Of Living.
Sydney, once known for its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, is now known for all the wrong reasons sadly.
It is currently experiencing a horrendous cost of living crisis, and with each passing week, it becomes an increasingly less viable and less rational living option for a very large number of people.
Housing costs in the city have risen to unprecedented levels, contributing significantly to the crisis.
This increase in housing costs has made it increasingly difficult for average families to find affordable housing, often forcing them to make significant lifestyle sacrifices.
In some cases, families are now left with no ability to afford accommodation. As there is no public housing options for them, they are now without any living arrangement that resembles a home, this is also know as being ‘homeless’.
Previously happy and hard working families are now living in tents during the harsh winter months, and in the most extreme cases, families share tents, assuming that even if both families pool their resources, they will be able to afford a tent.
Even when people in Sydney face the prospect of becoming homeless, there is no respite; the type of large tent a family would require to survive winter is out of reach for many due to the high cost of manufacturing in Australia.
The rising cost of tents in Australia can be attributed to the fact that the country is one of the most expensive places in the world to manufacture anything.
With so many people now living in tents in Australia, particularly in major cities such as Sydney and Brisbane, I’m wondering if there will be a tent availability crisis as well.
While it is difficult to predict with certainty, there are several factors that could influence the availability of tents for families struggling to make ends meet in Australia.
1. Supply and Demand: Increased demand for tents due to the housing crisis may result in a shortage.
a. However, many Australian retailers stock a wide range of camping tents, which may help meet increased demand.
2. Manufacturing and Importing: Australia’s high manufacturing costs may have an impact on tent production and pricing.
a. Many tents sold in Australia are imported; therefore, the last thing Australia needs is for other countries to end up in a similar situation, as this could lead to global supply chain issues with tents and significantly reduce the availability of tents for those in need in Australia.
Some may require more innovative approaches in the form of less expensive or alternative shelter options, such as double-layered cardboard boxes, but we must also ensure that no cardboard manufacturing companies in Australia go out of business.
While the increased use of tents due to the housing crisis may cause a tent availability crisis, the market may also adapt to meet the increased demand.
Manufacturing costs, global supply chains, and market adaptation strategies will all influence this complex issue. It is going to be critical to monitor the situation and consider various options for shelter should the worse happen.
Australia’s manufacturing costs are at least 30% higher than those in the United States, owing to the fact that we pay more than twice as much for electricity as the US and Canada.
We also have higher labour costs, and raw material costs have risen to the point where many businesses that have survived in Australia for the last 40 years are now declaring bankruptcy.
Everyday expenses in Sydney have steadily risen, and for the majority, they are now prohibitively expensive.
Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs have all increased dramatically, putting additional strain on household budgets.
Families are allocating a larger portion of their income to meet these basic needs, leaving little room for the purchase of medicines, clothing, or school supplies.
This financial strain is exacerbated by stagnant wage growth, which fails to keep up with rising living costs, exacerbating many residents’ problems.
The growing economic disparity in Sydney contributes to the crisis. While some segments of the population have significant wealth and resources, many families find it difficult to live comfortably.
This disparity is evident in the stark contrast between affluent neighbourhoods and those where residents are struggling financially.
Because of the gap between the cost of living and the average household income, many more people may soon be unable to afford to live in Sydney.
The term “battler” seems to be very relevant with this topic of the cost of living crisis in Sydney.
A “battler” refers to an ordinary working class person who has to struggle financially and work extremely hard just to get by and make ends meet.
It describes someone who is not wealthy, but has to “battle” economically on a daily basis.
It implies someone from a low-income or modest background having to put in a huge effort just to afford basic necessities like housing, food, bills etc.
Battlers are seen as the “strivers” or “fighters” who don’t give up despite facing major financial hardship and challenges.
It evokes a sense of resilience and determination in the face of difficult economic circumstances.
The term is often used to describe the plight of the working class or those on low-to-middle incomes and in the context of the cost of living crisis in Sydney, “battlers” would refer to those ordinary workers, families, students etc. who are being priced out of the city due to exorbitant housing and living costs, despite fighting hard to stay afloat there.
Understanding the severity of the underlying causes of Sydney’s un-affordability leads us to conclude that there is little point in attempting to stay there.
The better option is probably just to abandon Sydney as a lost cause and seek affordable opportunities elsewhere.
For the many battlers doing it tough, packing up and leaving Sydney is a far more rational thing to do then continuing to struggle with the exorbitantly high costs of ‘everything’.
In fact, the saying “there’s no point flogging a dead horse” can certainly be applied to the cost of living crisis in Sydney.
The “dead horse” represents Sydney’s increasingly unaffordable situation as a result of skyrocketing housing prices, high rents, and inflated costs for necessities such as groceries and utilities, which will only worsen as hundreds of thousands of new people arrive through Australia’s immigration arrangements.
“Flogging” or trying to beat a dead horse refers to people’s efforts to stay in Sydney and make ends meet despite the crushing financial burden, the constant worries and the overwhelming stress associated with trying to help your family survive.
So in this context, “there’s no point flogging a dead horse” implies that for the plethora of people that are persistently trying to survive in Sydney’s overly expensive environment is a futile endeavour.
No matter how hard they struggle, the cost of living has become so exorbitant that a decent quality of life is near impossible for a vast amount of people.
By leaving Sydney and relocating to more affordable NSW towns, families and individuals may improve their financial situation immensely rather than staying and fruitlessly “flogging the dead horse” of Sydney’s unsustainable costs.
It’s a hard reality, that’s for sure but at some point, persisting with something that has become completely untenable is irrational and the wiser choice is to make the difficult decision to walk away and pursue better opportunities elsewhere.
Surely it’s better to spend any money you have left on getting you and your family out of Sydney and living somewhere else in NSW that can provide you with everything you require while also giving you peace of mind that your children will receive a full education.
Exploring Affordable Alternatives: Tenterfield, Armidale, Parkes, and Broken Hill.
For any families who have decided it is time to leave Sydney and stop struggling with the rising cost of living, you may be surprised at how many very affordable options are available to you.
Four notable alternatives are Tenterfield, Armidale, Parkes, and Broken Hill. They all present compelling options for moving your family there, each offering lower living costs and the potential for a vastly improved quality of life.
1. Tenterfield, nestled in New South Wales’ Northern Tablelands, is a charming town known for its rich history and natural beauty.
a. Housing and daily expenses are significantly lower compared to Sydney, making it an attractive option for families.
b. With its serene landscapes and a strong sense of community, Tenterfield provides an ideal setting for those seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle.
c. It is impossible for me to drive through Tenterfield without singing Peter Allen’s ‘Tenterfield Saddler’ song.
2. Armidale, situated in the Northern Inland region, is another excellent choice.
a. This university town boasts a vibrant cultural scene and excellent educational institutions, making it perfect for families prioritising education.
b. The cost of living in Armidale is notably lower, with affordable housing options and reduced daily expenses, further enhancing its appeal.
3. Parkes, located in the Central West region of New South Wales, is famous for its annual Elvis Festival and its significant role in space exploration.
a. Beyond its unique attractions, Parkes offers a lower cost of living, with affordable housing and essential services.
b. Its small-town charm and community-oriented lifestyle make it a viable alternative for families looking to escape the high expenses of Sydney.
c. There’s work in the mining sector in Parkes and you’ve also got Forbes just down the road which is quite a beautiful place as well.
4. Broken Hill is a historic mining town in the Far West region, provides a unique blend of outback adventure and affordable living.
a. Known for its rich artistic heritage and stunning landscapes, Broken Hill offers families a distinctive lifestyle at a fraction of Sydney’s costs.
b. The town’s affordable housing market and reduced living expenses make it an enticing option for those seeking both affordability and a unique cultural experience.
These four towns stand out as viable alternatives for families aiming to leave the stress and financial pressures of Sydney’s high cost of living far behind and move on to a better life.
Each location offers its own unique benefits, presenting opportunities for a more economically sustainable and enriched family life.
They all offer a diverse range of lifestyle opportunities and activities that make them appealing destinations for families and each location boasts unique attractions that promote outdoor recreation, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.
Below is some basic information on the four options:
1. Tenterfield: Population 4,206 approx.
a. Hospital: Tenterfield District Hospital.
b. Doctors: Tenterfield Medical Practice and other medical centres.
c. Police: Tenterfield Police Station.
d. Fire Department: Tenterfield Fire Station.
e. Primary and High Schools: Tenterfield Public School (K-6), Tenterfield High School (7-12).
f. Tenterfield has several hotels/motels, an RSL club, and a bowling club.
g. Higher Education: Tenterfield TAFE Campus (Part of New England Institute of TAFE).
h. Tenterfield Approx Temperature Ranges: Min: 2°C (Winter), Max: 32°C (Summer)
i. Tenterfield offers some excellent fishing opportunities:
· Tenterfield Creek: This waterway holds Yellow Belly and Cod. You can access it from various points to the west of town, including Deadman’s Reserve (approximately 14 km west).
· Mole and Dumaresq Rivers: These rivers are home to Yellow Belly, Cod, and Catfish.
· Glenlyon Dam: Situated on the QLD border, Glenlyon Dam is regularly stocked with Golden Perch, Murray Cod, and Silver Perch. It’s also known for its big Murray Cod, which can be seen spawning in late winter and early spring.
· Spangled Perch and Eel-tailed Catfish are also found here.
2. Armidale: Population 29,594 approx.
a. Hospital: Armidale Rural Referral Hospital.
b. Doctors: Multiple medical practices and clinics.
c. Police: Armidale Police Station.
d. Fire Department: Armidale Fire Station.
e. Primary and High Schools: Several primary and high schools.
f. Armidale has numerous hotels/motels, an Ex Services club, the Armidale City Bowling Club other clubs.
g. Higher Education: University of New England, TAFE NSW Armidale Campus
h. Approx Temperature Ranges: Min: 0°C (Winter) Max: 29°C (Summer)
3. Parkes: Population 14,256 approx
a. Hospital: Parkes District Hospital
b. Doctors: Multiple medical practices and clinics
c. Police: Parkes Police Station
d. Fire Department: Parkes Fire Station
e. Primary and High Schools: Several primary and high schools
f. Parkes has several hotels/motels, an RSL club, and bowling clubs like the Parkes Services Club.
g. Higher Education: TAFE NSW Parkes Campus
h. Approx Temperature Ranges: Min: 0°C (Winter) Max: 40°C (Summer)
4. Broken Hill: Population 17,624
a. Hospital: Broken Hill Health Service
b. Doctors: Multiple medical practices and clinics
c. Police: Broken Hill Police Station
d. Fire Department: Broken Hill Fire Station
e. Primary and High Schools: Several primary and high schools
f. Broken Hill has multiple hotels/motels, an RSL club, bowling clubs, and workers clubs like the Broken Hill Musician’s Club.
g. Higher Education: TAFE NSW Broken Hill Campus, University Department of Rural Health (University of Sydney)
h. Approx Temperature Ranges: Min: 4°C (Winter) Max: 36°C (Summer)
Tenterfield is about an 8 hour drive from Sydney and allows families to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.
The town is surrounded by national parks, including Bald Rock National Park, which offers hiking trails and picnic areas for outdoor adventures.
Tenterfield’s rich history is celebrated at a variety of heritage sites, including the Tenterfield Railway Museum and the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts, which provide educational and cultural opportunities.
Armidale stands out for its blend of cultural and academic influences. Home to the University of New England, the town hosts numerous cultural events, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and theatre performances.
The New England Regional Art Museum and the Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place are notable attractions.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Wollomombi Falls and Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, offering stunning landscapes and thrilling activities like bushwalking and bird-watching.
Parkes is renowned for its iconic Parkes Observatory, a must-visit for families interested in astronomy and science.
The annual Parkes Elvis Festival is another major draw, celebrating the life and music of Elvis Presley with a range of fun activities for all ages.
The town also offers beautiful parks and recreational areas, such as Cooke Park, ideal for family picnics and leisurely strolls.
Broken Hill, often referred to as the “Silver City,” has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and public art installations.
The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and the Pro Hart Gallery are key cultural highlights. The Living Desert Sculptures and the nearby Mutawintji National Park provide unique outdoor experiences, combining natural beauty with cultural heritage.
The town’s strong sense of community is evident in its regular markets, festivals, and social events, fostering a welcoming environment for families.
Overall, Tenterfield, Armidale, Parkes, and Broken Hill each offer a unique blend of activities and lifestyle opportunities, ensuring that families can enjoy a fulfilling and vibrant life while navigating the cost of living challenges in Sydney.
Relocating to Tenterfield, Armidale, Parkes, or Broken Hill provides excellent solutions for putting Sydney’s financial challenges far behind you.
The even better news is that if you don’t want to, you never have to go back.
Each of these areas offers a distinct blend of affordability and quality of life, making them attractive choices for families seeking economic relief, improving your living standards and with all tiers of schooling for the kids.
These regional towns provide more affordable housing, lower daily living costs and a better pace of life that can significantly enhance overall well-being.
Moving to these locations can also offer long-term benefits that extend beyond mere financial savings.
The opportunity for a fresh start in a close-knit community, better work-life balance, and access to natural surroundings can contribute to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Education and healthcare facilities in these regions, while smaller in scale, often provide personalized and high-quality services, ensuring that families do not miss out on essential amenities.
In light of Sydney’s unsustainable cost of living, considering a move to more affordable areas could be one of the best and most rational decisions a family might ever make.
Families willing to embrace change and relocate to these regions may find themselves reaping the rewards of a more balanced and satisfying way of life.
Select A Far More Rational Living Situation For You and Your Family.
It would not be rational to continue battling and “flogging the dead horse” of trying to make ends meet in Sydney. The cost of living crisis has already made it a completely untenable situation financially for far too many people and it is just going to get worse and that’s the sad truth.
There must come a point where persisting with something that has become fundamentally irrational and hopeless is itself an irrational decision.
Continuing to struggle fruitlessly in Sydney despite the exorbitant cost of absolutely everything outweighing any potential benefits is an example of such an irrational persistence.
Some reasons why it would be irrational for many “battlers” to continue in this Sydney situation would include:
1. Financial strain: Pouring most of one’s income into just affording basic housing and living costs with little left over is unsustainable long-term.
2. Zero savings/investments: With so much going towards expenses, battlers cannot build an emergency fund or invest in their future.
3. Mental toll: The constant stress and pressure of making ends meet takes a psychological toll.
4. Quality of life: Working relentlessly just to tread water leaves little for leisure, travel, retirement etc.
5. Better opportunities elsewhere: More affordable locations exist where battlers can actually get ahead financially.
At a certain point, the rational decision becomes cutting one’s losses, no matter how difficult the choice to leave Sydney.
Continuing to flog the “dead horse” situation yields only more struggle with no light at the end of the tunnel.
Rationality would dictate exploring other options that actually align with one’s financial realities and goals for a decent quality of life.
For many battlers, that may mean the tough but rational choice to leave Sydney far behind and just don’t look back.
