Australia: High-wage seasonal labor and the sale of Cooladdi

In Australia, seasonal agricultural work, particularly in the cotton industry, offers high wages that attract many young Europeans. Workers can earn approximately 31 AUD per hour, with overtime reaching 56 AUD. While these earnings allow for significant savings—with some reporting that four hours of work can cover a month's rent—the lifestyle involves intense labor, often working 12-hour days, seven days a week, leading to issues with isolation and loneliness.

Separately, in the Queensland hinterland, the small town of Cooladdi is up for sale. Located over 800 kilometers from Brisbane, the town currently has only two residents. The sale price is set at 400,000 AUD and includes the Foxtrap Roadhouse pub, a motel, a grocery store, and a residence. The property is being offered by the current owners following a three-year attempt to revitalize the former railway hub.