This is an interesting question, and obviously the remote working systems we have adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic indicates there are more opportunities than we initially thought.

Recently Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack highlighted the benefits of living in the country in an opinion article. He rightly points out the opportunities and benefits of this approach.

Mr McCormack stated that 65,000 more people chose to move to regional Australia from capital cities, rather than the other way around. The data was gathered from a new Regional Australia Institute (RAI) report tracking population movements between 2011 and 2016.

"If COVID-19 has proven anything, it's that you can work from anywhere. Why shouldn't that number grow even further?" he wrote.

In a place like Wagga there are enormous opportunities to enjoy regional life but at the same time peruse a fulfilling career. And if it is agriculture that holds your passion the Riverina is rich in talent.

Wagga is home to the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, which is a valuable think tank for all things relating to the rural industry. It is also an organisation that attracts some of the brightest minds in agriculture and delivers tangible benefits to those in the farming community.

One point Mr McCormack made clearly in his opinion article was that skilled people should not accept to earn less because they live in regional Australia. "Your postcode should never determine your potential," he wrote.

So along with what we often call a "tree-change" movement maybe we should start talking even more about attracting those with skills to our regional areas. It is good for business, great for the local community, supports our healthcare system and boosts schools.

Having good minds escape city life has to be a good move for the future.

And once Australia begins recovery from the damage of the COVID-19 pandemic there will be enormous opportunities to promote the virtues of rural cities and townships.

But to make it happen, and provide a more seamless transition we need to see boosts in internet capacity and mobile phone coverage. There are areas close to Wagga that are still lacking in this regard.