The storm on 21st February and subsequent 2 high rainfall events that destroyed 35% of our 30 Maple St Cooroy offices came as a bit of a shock. The reaction of locals has reminded me why we live where we live - the generosity and support offered to us has been overwhelming. Both our own team members and the community have helped us recover from the damage caused by the storm. We relocated to a temporary office at 42 Maple Street and were back to business within 12 hours of losing the roof of our 30 Maple St, office.

We have not allowed any of our building interruptions to prevent our buyers and sellers from moving forward. Subsequently we have written 45 contracts of sale in 90 days in 2012. We feel turnover is back to pre-GFC numbers, buyers are responding to the great value on offer and for good reason. Back In 2011 real estate consumers may have had some cause to worry? But the only reasons to be a bit concerned in 2012 in Australia are the shambolic politics, deficit budgets and low productivity and all these are fixable over time.

The good news, however, far outweighs the not so good - the nation has 1.1 million more jobs than it did five years ago, virtually full employment by international definition. Our mortgage interest rates are right on the long-term average of less than 8 per cent. Our household incomes are among the worlds highest (more than $144,000 per household on average in 2011-2012) and rising and we have the world’s seventh-highest standard of living (of 230 nations). Our savings are rising, the share market and our super funds are recovering and our population is growing at or better than the world’s growth rate. It’s all going to get even better during this and the next decade but for the time being it’s as good as it gets anywhere in the world today.

A change is as good as a holiday, no matter who you voted for in the Queensland state election. You will agree the new state government could provide the shot in the arm required to return our great state to prosperity.

We have reason to be grateful and happy.

Murray Brown
hinternoosa.com.au