JC; you really do need to get out and explore the `Real' world a great deal more.
You will find, to start with,progressive countries actually building things, many modern things not a country stagnating with old, very old, inadequate, crumbling infrastructure,
Countries when, where they build a freeway it is 6, 8 0r 10 lanes designed for the future not taking 50/60 years to build it as did the link Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane with each other. Not talking about building a second airport for Sydney for 50 years that I am aware of. (have they actually started yet? HKG demolished a mountain, built a magnificent suspension bridge with freeway and a very good new airport in what 6 years?).
China has rebuilt many, many modern cities over the last 10- 15 years. The Emirates have rebuilt and built many modern cities with full infrastructure over the last 20 years.
Many, many countries have modern high speed railways over long distance Russia; Moscow- Leningrad 400 miles - 2 hours. The last rail project of note here under PM John Howard was Alice Springs Darwin furthermore under time, under budget.
Nuclear, low emission coal fired power stations supplying reliable, high quality electricity for progress, new modern industries whilst we blow ours up.
Australian lifestyle - under very, very serious attack deteriorating at an alarming pace; competent English speaking with an increasing number of interpreters available, increasing number of different language shop signs and attendants; `competent English speaking Australian ATC' - good reason to suggest the competency is questionable and not necessarily better than many, many overseas countries.
The competency of CASA, Airservices and ATSB, particularly CASA is highly questionable.
and everything else
Yes, great weather and it was a great place to live however, should not get of our tails and protect it, correct the path we are headed on, the overall package is not looking that great.