Dirk1971

Any comments on this?

http://au.news.yahoo.com/061211/2/11q92.html


I have been thinking about giving OZ a go, but having some serious doubts now.

Hutch

1) Sydney is not Australia.
2) All the things mentioned in that article are a problem in every major city on the planet.
3) If you think moving to Australia means an escape from the everyday reality of modern life in every developed western style democratic country on the planet, then no - you shouldn't come.

Wendy

Go to a different part of Australia then. Traffic's not too bad here

Dirk1971

So you agree with what is said in the article?

NickyC

Same article was discussed last week - http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413395.

My opinion (after being here for 27 years) is that Sydney certainly does have traffic problems (what big city doesn't?) but it's still gorgeous and a great place to live...

Dirk1971

Thanks for the link i'll have a read

Big Galah

Does Sydney now have so many poms that they're influencing public opinion?

(slightly-tongue-in-cheek) Big.

Vash the Stampede

You have to ask yourself if that person's opinion is truly representative of your opinion.

Since you haven't been to Sydney yet, I don't see how it can be.

Dirk1971

I have been to Sydney, but only briefly. So, before I decide to move lock, stock and barrel, I think it's prudent to take on board legitimate comments, however disparaging they are, before I decide to do it.

I am also thinking of moving to Cape Town. At the moment, that is the most appealing option to me.

The thing that really jumped out for me in the report wasn't the traffic congestion. It was :

Sydney is often described as the most deeply superficial of towns. A party town so enamoured with its postcard-perfect imagery that reality rarely gets an invite


I can do superficial and banal right here in Wellington...

Hutch

Who wouldn't, it's hardly a staggering revelation is it? To summarise - Sydney's got urban sprawl, congestion, busy hospitals, self-centred residents, air pollution and unreliable public transport - just like pretty much every city on the planet. I'm not a city-dweller (been there, done that) but doesn't everyone take these problems as a given when they live metro?

Hutch

Don't move here. Really.

Lord Pom Percy

l'll let you in on a secret, theres plenty of other places to live in OZ besides Sydney , many more affordable and much nicer places to live. Anyway you should'nt base your decsion on whether to live there because of one neagative article you read on Yahoo, what large city does'nt have urban sprwal and resffic conjestion?

Dirk1971

Yeah that's true. But with costs of airfare, it's better to go somewhere you think is worthwhile first. Im also thinking Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane etc.

I know this isn't on most peoples requirements, but as an avid surfer my ideal is somewhere where I can have a decent surf. Oh and get a job

Lord Pom Percy

What about the Gold Coast near Brisbane, some of the best surf and beaches in the world, regarding Cape Town, l think l read somewhere South Africa is just as Dangerous as Iraq

MartinLuther

Personally I think Melbourne is like Sydney's ugly sister. She's not as pretty to look at, but she's a great cook, is more intelligent, has more class and is definitely easier to live with. She's good at sports too.