Australia.....The Lucky Country.....Western Australia the resources state - Topic 10

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world having a land area of 7.69 million square kilometres. With a population of around 20 million it has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometre. Of course this does not mean you will be living in a sparsely populated area unless you choose to do so, because the population is mostly massed around the costal areas, this is especially true in Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. Increasingly on the east coast of Australia the population is migrating inland, as costal land becomes more expensive with demand. Perth in Western Australia is a good example of this movement of population with housing becoming more expensive many people including new immigrants are moving away from the coast and out of Perth to regional areas.

Australia has one of the strongest economies in the world with inflation averaging about 3% based on low inflation and low interest rates there has been strong growth here despite a global slowdown. There are around ten million people in the workforce here and job prospects are good with a healthy small business sector as well as international companies. The Australian migration program are carefully put together to be of benefit to the economy and socially and plays a big part in the continuing increase in population. It is tailored to specifically target particular occupations and skills and takes into account demand for certain occupations. Basically if you have a trade or have completed further education at University or College the chances are that you would have a good chance of being accepted into the migration program. Immigration to Western Australia and Perth is made easier by the new visa classes.

Western Australia has a vast resources sector which is critical to the economy and way of life mining, tourism, beef and wool exports contribute vast amounts of money into the economy. Increasingly regional cities are attempting to attract skilled migrants and if you fall slightly short of the points required for migration it is well worth considering settling in a regional area. If you require help or advice on migration issues contact Ian at www.ianharrop.co.uk. The migration process can be fairly complicated and is a for some migrants is a long waiting game.. So be prepared! There is no need to live close to Perth city to find work and a good standard of living.

Australia consists of eight States and Territories including Tasmania an island off the SE coast. There are 3 time zones in Australia and a great variation in climate depending on your choice of area but generally the weather is better than the UK and in Western Australia we are lucky enough to have the sunniest climate in Australia. Australia lays claim to some of the best beaches in the world and in general these areas are kept clean and compared to the UK are relatively uncrowded, this is particularly true here in Western Australia.. though I have to admit the secret is getting out and we are seeing a boom in population fuelled by migrants and people moving here from the eastern states. Australia has ranked in the top five countries to live in as rated by the United Nations human development index, which ranks countries on the quality of life.

So considering all of these factors is immigration for you well quite simply no one else can answer that question for you and I could bang on all day about the good things in Australia but there are downsides too. If you can afford a fact finding trip I would advise you to take it because the more preparation you make chances are the better you will settle. Having said that if you do come on such a trip you will need to look at factors such as employment, education (if you have children) and property including the sort of area you wish to live in. So although you should do all the "touristy" things it would be good to remind yourself that once you get to the daily grind of life here in Perth it may not be the idyllic life you want. We still have to work each day (sometimes for less money but usually relative to the cost of living) and have all the worries which you would have in the UK. You should also consider the "family issue" it is very difficult to leave family and friends and even though the world is a small place in terms of how easy it is to travel it is a costly thing to visit Australia from the UK or visa versa and you may not see as much of your family as you would like. In recent years however it does seem to be more affordable to more people and the "rellies" usually have a great time. If you have children I think it is most important to consider their wishes to some extent and to keep them informed about your decision using books the internet and other media so that they don't feel anxious. If you prepare yourselves with as many facts as you can you will find that it makes the whole move a bit easier and remember Australia has its own culture (a mix of many different races and cultures) and you are not moving to another part of the UK, it will come as a bit of a culture shock .. love it or hate it. Moving to Western Australia will prove to be one of the most daunting times of your life suddenly finding yourself homeless and jobless but remember once you find a job and settle in a new life in Perth you should take time out to enjoy your new home and get out there!!

I have found some web sites which I hope will help you with the fact finding and if you choose to use our services (car hire and short term furnished accommodation) you will be met at the airport by a friendly face. Emi-Great Services offers migrants a helping hand to settle in Perth, Western Australia.

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