And yet if you live in the regional cities of Albury-Wodonga that is exactly how things have transpired.

It certainly has been difficult delivering much good news over the past year, with the COVID-19 health concerns, the loss of jobs and the shutting down of businesses as border blockades went up then down again and as lockdowns hit hard.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Some of the clearest examples of exemptions to that, of course, have involved the stories of the resilience of our community through the pandemic, and the way we have genuinely banded together.

But throughout there has been the general acceptance that the bottom line will have, and will continue to, suffered a belting.

And when communities are taking things carefully, accepting that we are all in this "rainy day" downturn for such a long time, then less money is being spent.

It is tremendous to hear then about how the Border construction sector is going through boom times, something that would be a surprise to many.

MORE OPINION

One of the key factors - though there are many others in play here - has been the impact of the enforced working-from-home culture that has spread across the nation.

The nature of many people's jobs means that's not an option, but nonetheless there has been quite a significant number who have been able to leave the car in the garage and still work a normal week.

The upshot of that it appears is that more and more city residents are looking to areas such as the Border to live.

Part of that is because of a wish to escape tighter restrictions, especially Melbourne.

One building company manager with responsibility for regional Victoria says their experience has been an upsurge in people who grew up in the country returning home, enticed by the cheaper land prices and greater availability, coupled with those all-important job opportunities.

As with any positives there's bound to be a few negatives; in this case, demand outstripping supply.

That though is a challenge heartily accepted for our region.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: