Released on: August 13, 2008, 11:05 pm

Press Release Author: Ourpatch: Regional Australia Guide

Industry: Internet & Online

Press Release Summary: Despite 62.2% of Australians living in regional areas
believing the cost ofliving is greater in rural areas than in the city, nearly 70%
say they prefer to remain in the country than move to the big smoke

Press Release Body: Despite 62.2% of Australians living in regional areas believing
the cost of living is greater in rural areas than in the city, nearly 70% say they
prefer to remain in the country than move to the big smoke, according to a study by
OurPatch.com.au, -Ourpatch: Regional Australia
Online Australia's most innovative community web site.

Although people believe they suffer increased prices for petrol (91%), groceries
(85.7%), clothing (49.7%), fresh produce (47.2%), and alcohol (31.7%) the allure of
country living is so strong that it more than compensates for their perceived higher
cost of living.

Mr Simon van Wyk, Director of OurPatch.com.au, says that definitely,certain items
are more expensive in the country, however the big ticket items, like housing, is
certainly more affordable than in the city.

"Interestingly despite the perception of higher costs nearly 90% of people feel that
the country is a better environment in which to live and raise their children
because of the close knit community. In an age of fragmentation you can still find a
wonderful sense of community in regional Australia," van Wyk concluded.


For more information or for an interview with Simon van Wyk please contact

Fleur Peters at Markson Sparks Publicity on 02 9775 7000 or
fleur@marksonsparkspr.com

Web Site: http://www.ourpatch.com.au/

Contact Details: Ourpatch: Regional Australia Guide
26/37 Nicholson Street,
Balmain, NSW, 2041
(02) 8256-5888