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Newsroom |
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3 October 2003 Interview
Transcript (Full transcript of questions not available - questions asked by Jon Faine have been paraphrased) Faine: Introductory comments - what are the attractions of country life that warrant a marketing campaign funded by the State Government? Chester: Look there's a lot of attractions to country life and you've mentioned a few there straight away. Like homes are a lot cheaper in country areas. We think it's a much safer and friendlier place to raise our family. There's a stronger sense of community involvement - you get more involved in your community because it's a much friendlier environment. And also getting back to nature - a lot of people love being close to the beach or close to the wilderness areas. Faine: But there's no jobs, people are leaving etc. Chester: I think it's improving all of the time Jon. I think we're heading in the right direction in country areas. There's some great things happening - quite recently we saw Patties Bakery a big bakery in Bairnsdale purchase Four 'n' Twenty Pies. While that was bad news in Melbourne I suppose - they missed out on some jobs in Melbourne - but there's some great opportunities in East Gippsland flowing on from that. Faine: Won't Melbourne always be the most important centre for jobs etc. Chester: I think the main game will always be in the city but there's still some great opportunities and you can run a successful business, you can have a successful career, in country areas. Country areas are really demanding more skilled workers to move out there. We've got opportunities, particularly for skilled workers, across a broad range of industries. We need more health professionals out here and this program that the Treasurer has launched is a step in the right direction because it perhaps makes people realise that there are some opportunities out there for them. Faine: Isn't it just a sop for votes in marginal country seats - government trying to attract regional voters to shore up support in the bush. Chester: You can have a cynical view of anything I think Jon. Faine: Do you really think people will make lifestyle decisions based on an advertising campaign like this one etc? Chester: I think you're completely wrong there. I think they will make lifestyle decisions based on something that promotes a very positive image about something that normally gets a negative image. I think the country areas of Victoria have copped a pretty bad press over the years. Things like fires, droughts and floods are much more attractive to the media to cover, so then you get this sense that perhaps everything's pretty ordinary in the bush. That's clearly not the truth. What this campaign is doing is promoting a very positive message. I'm no apologist for the State Government but I think they're on the right track this time. Faine: What was your own experience of country versus city life. Chester: I actually grew up in country areas and then moved away like a lot of young people do. I got experience in Melbourne and Brisbane and then just decided that city life wasn't for me. I've been back in country Victoria now for 10 years. We live in Lakes Entrance and we think it's a great place to live. Faine: But don't you have to live in the country for years, and it's not until you have grandchildren there that you are made to feel welcome? Chester: Well that's a good thing about this program. The State Government has deliberately put an ad into the country areas as well, saying welcome the people who move here. We'll welcome with open arms if you like, anyone who's positive and keen to become a part of country life. Jon, we'll even welcome you out here and we'll find you a good job too. Faine: Better than the one I've got? Chester: I don't know if it will necessarily be better - but the lifestyleÕs a hell of a lot better. Media
information: For further comments contact Darren Chester on 0351 55
3719 or 0412 153 719.
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