I think the real estate prices here are more a side effect of the mining boom rather than the drivers of the cost of living here. We recently got a quote of $50

I think the real estate prices here are more a side effect of the mining boom rather than the drivers of the cost of living here. We recently got a quote of $5000 for paving ~30m^2 out the back of our house. It's a joke. Trades people are in such high demand here that they can charge more than surgeons. I worry about the effect that this is going to have on the education level of the local populace. What's the incentive to stay in school to Yr 12 when you can drop out at 15, get an apprenticeship and be earning a motza by the time you're 18?