Australia’s regions are undergoing a sudden surge of development as city residents flee risks of COVID and high rents, and take advantage of new internet connectivity and the work from home trend. The national government, which needs the support of regional voters, has launched and infrastructure plan that includes the arts for the first time. Lismore in northern New South Wales has a new cultural development plan to take it into the mid-30s, and five local councils in SE Queensland have combined to create a music development plan including micro-festivals and creation of a sustainable music sector.