Possibly more chance of introduction via the very easily grown, hidden and almost tacitly approved Cannabis. Fairly sure you'll get treated with a slap for growing less than 3 or less plants... Then although I'm not sure.... possibly just that bit more broader disposable income in the prone age groups here.

Re Ballarat, was talking about it at work last night and people are saying there is a real drug problem there.... So that 4 corners show you watched has probably alerted you better than I. Personally I think it's not as broad a problem as it is in the smaller towns. I'll have to go check it out for myself.

Your input is welcome, it all helps to paint a better picture!

Thanks for the info. There's no shortage of drugs and other addictions where I live now, but it seems ice is a special case... If it's true that it can be addictive after one dose, and that kids are being targeted, that's a grim combination! And with (reportedly) 3-4 bikie gangs operating in Ballarat, there's a ready made network if that's a 'product' they are involved in.

Quick note to any Ballaratians that are reading - sorry to focus on the negatives, it's a great place I have enjoyed staying in and I'm still considering a move there - just trying to get a better understanding of the environment the kids might grow up in :-)

Not something you are in a position to guarantee. Historical records differ of course with previous similar periods in the 1880's and first quarter of twentieth century. The latter took a number of decades to regain lost ground.

I am in a position to guarantee. But we have heard about your house buying woes

My wife had a Meg Ryan moment over this place..... Until I told her it was 20ks out of Colac....but still no house I've shown her has made her want to up and retire the way this place did.

44 Main Street Beeac Vic 3251 - House for Sale #122295310 - realestate.com.au

That's a gorgeous cottage, no wonder your wife fell in love with it

Wow. Tons of character, generous rooms, good size block, a tasteful old place. And among lakes, I'm guessing it's a nice landscape around there.

When we lived in Brunswick (we loved it) we were in the city a lot. But after the move to Burwood then Rowville then Glen Waverley, we became a bit detached from one of the worlds best cities, not needing to go there for work. I would rather have a house like this and a longer trip to the city once a month, than a massive mortgage and endless concrete... but there's other factors for us of course. Cheers for sharing that.

Lovely plot, great outdoors...the insides are a bit, questionable! What about the boudoir photography in the bedroom ha ah

Maybe try some little towns near Ballarat, I live in Ballan which is not far from Ballarat, it's on the train line, not far from the freeway and the house prices are about average...

OK thanks for that, sounds like a good idea to explore... I will check it out!

I thought the plot looked a bit wanting too. It looks like a pretty depressing house to me overall. It is cheap though..

Blimey.... we are in the next suburb up, Coburg. Been here just about all of my time in Aus. I know from travelling around that it's....Melbournes North... is going to be a damn hard act to follow. I could not imagine City life being any better than it is in these parts...... But I have to cash in to do the things we really want to do in retirement...basically travel that means.

Thats why central Ballarat.... or even Hobart is on the cards, somewhere with a modicum of plenty of choice within walking distance. Still you never know after travelling somewhere else might take our fancy.

I've never lived there, though I have visited enough times to take a liking to the place, so I can't really help very much, other than to say it seemed to have everything you need for daily life. Sorry.

Beeac has a great pub but not a whole lot else, other than a bloke with some interesting classic cars. We got stopped by the police for a random booze check on the way there from Colac early one evening then the same police came in for a post-shift (I presume!) quick one! Most people in there seemed to know each other but everyone was happy to chat to us foreigners. Beeac is agricultural and there's great scenery near Colac, around the lake, a lovely botanic garden and amazing views from Red Rock.

I thought about suggesting Echuca but it felt a bit too touristy for me.

Have to agree there. We had the best time, living between Sydney Road and Lygon, at the north edge of the park. The people, the food, the pubs and bars, the little independent businesses, and minutes from the city. Always something going on, really miss it. Would happily live in Coburg.

Second favourite for us in VIC has to be Bright, but we only saw it in the summer.