Regional consumer spending outlook & market opportunity

1. Regional consumer spending outlook & market opportunity The near future

2. 2010 was good year for Regional…

3. 2010 was good year for Regional… Regional won the election! Infrastructure - public and private – already online Regional consumer spending power solid through and post GFC

4. The foreseechange survey has been the most accurate forecast on consumer spending over the past five years Willingness and ability to spend Source: Foreseechange2010

5. Willingness to spend… Q: How would you allocate $1000 windfall ? Spend, save or pay debt? Source: Foreseechange2010

6. Willingness to spend… A: Regional and metro response identical Spend: $235 Save: $440 Pay debt $325 Source: Foreseechange2010

7. Regional consumers’ willingness to spend remained very steady through GFC compared to metro volatility $ Dollars allocated for spending from discretionary $1000 Source: foreseechange 2005 - 2010

8. Willingness to save at record levels showing consumer caution and reflecting lower interest rates $ Dollars allocated for saving from discretionary $1000 Source: foreseechange 2005 - 2010

9. Ability to spend… No worries, comfortable, struggling or broke? Source: Foreseechange2010

10. Half of all Australians say they are able to spend on discretionary items ... no significant change YOY No Worries “Few financial concerns being able to both save and buy what I want” Comfortable “Afford to spend on the extras that make life worthwhile” Getting By “Manage to meet expenses but nothing left over” Broke “Never seem to have enough money” % of Pop. Source: foreseechange June 2010 & October 2010

11. Why has regional spending been more stable? • Average household income only 10% below capital cities – and growing faster • Median regional house price up to 50% below capital city • Less debt & growth in local economies

12. Consumer spending forecast for 2011 is to match current levels Regional less at risk from interest rate rises Foreseechange2010 Author Charlie Nelson