I population density is such a concern, I suggest you all move over here. Huge country with less than 1/10 the population of America. The public transport is really pretty good too.


Vinnie, I have a Yogi Berra-ism for you: "No one drives in New York any more, too much traffic".

Expatriate...Have a little expereince...Our nephew has been a man of the world since he graduated from Berkeley with a Chem. Enginering degree..Has not lived in the US for over 20 years..Lived in Spain, Belgium, and now Singapore...their skills were considered 'nation building.' everywhere but Australia.
They will not open the door and let them in until he has his fortune and can simply retire...It was so complicated, they gave up...
But they are on their way to making their fortune...Plans to retire in mid-Queensland by the age of 50...Then they will let him in..Says compared to California, he thought property on the beach in Queensland was cheap. We will visit them there someday soon and will bring my bike...
Expat..with all that wide open country , you would think getting in would be easier...You married into the country right?

Expat..with all that wide open country , you would think getting in would be easier...You married into the country right?

Uh oh. Here comes my political rant. I live in the country where they gov't gives each new mom $3k straight up. They also have a thing called "Parenting Payment" which is a fortnightly payment. A politician stated in the last year that each woman should have 3 kids - one for herself, one for her partner, and one for her country. We have some of the highest tax rates anywhere. The money is squandered by politcians and the like in administration of services back to the people. I read recently where some Ph.D did a study and came to the conclusion that the best way to stimulate the economy would be to reduce taxes, thereby reducing the cost of doing business and the price of goods and services, which would benefit everyone, and the economic growth would mean less "Welfare" payments. Locally, the unemployment rate is the highest in all of Australia. It's hard to get in, because you're not likely to get a job within 2 years of arriving, which is also the waiting period for benefits. Buy in, bring a business or needed skills, or marry in. If I had known then what I know now, I would have moved my Aussie wife and 3 kids to the states instead. But it's been a mostly positive experience. I better get off my soapbox now, but if anyone has any questions, feel free to PM or email me.

Expat...Aussie news does make it out of country...We hear the reports..They think better of immigration but from the east of west, not north..

I have to remember this is a bike forum. I could go on and on...