Of course, those of us already here can understand why.
Cleaner air, neighbourly communities, a better life/work balance with (usually) shorter travel times, are among many reasons we like to call rural Australia ‘home’.
But if we’re to look after ourselves AND find room for our city cousins, there’s still work we can do to better our region.
Wherever I’ve travelled this year, you’ve been consistent on what that is: broader work opportunities close to affordable housing, ready access to a GP, childcare and good health facilities, with communication options on par to metro areas.
I am pleased to say each of those feature heavily in Coalition policy as we head into an election year.
So too, eliminating the currently blinkered hope that renewables-only will achieve net zero emissions instead of a balanced energy mix, as well as restoring commonsense policy to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
That last aim is very important to Farrer. Our rivers form both the economic and ecological lifeblood of this region, while also making a delightfully relaxing visitor stop - probably why so many from the cities also lob here temporarily over Summer.
Whatever this time of year brings, I hope it can involve a break with family, friends or even just a little downtime.
My electorate offices will be closed between Christmas and New Year and reopening from Monday, January 6 – but we remain on-call for any critical issues or emergencies during this time.
Best wishes to you for a happy and safe holiday season!
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