Wagga? Looked like quite a bit of activity out of there last time I passed through (2010), not too far from CB or Sydney if you want a city break. Not too sure about the job situation, but it's a thought.
If you don't mind a bit of a commute (hour and a quarter) down from the Atherton Tablelands where I live, Cairns could be good - lots of open space up here. Obviously not great if you're going to work/coming home each day, but would probably work for a job that called for a few days away, then a few days at home (coastwatch etc?)