COST OF LIVING: We’re paying too much
Only Mount Isa worse off in Council of Social Service comparison
A NEW report has revealed food and energy costs contribute to Cairns being Queensland’s second most expensive regional city, behind Mount Isa.
The report by the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) has concluded Cairns residents are paying more for food and have higher household energy costs.
Comparing the basic standard of living across five locations in Queensland – Cairns, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Brisbane – the Living Affordability in Queensland report investigates how location and income impact on the cost of living.
Access Community Housing executive officer (Cairns) Donna-Maree O’Connor was not surprised by the report’s findings and suggested many of the organisation’s tenants had trouble affording utility bills.
“Certainly electricity has skyrocketed in recent years. We have seen horrendous stories on these really hot days of people leaving their fridge doors open because they can’t afford airconditioning,” she said.
The report focused on four low-income households, recognising that people surviving on low incomes are struggling the most.
University student Simone Vinton flagged the cost of rent, internet, car expenses and power as major concerns.
She said more than half the income she received from Austudy was swallowed by rent.
“And I don’t know how my electricity is so expensive. I am now at the point where I don’t use my aircon or drier because I don’t know how I can afford it,” she said.
“I have cut the internet off at home, but my fuel costs are a worry so I have organised all my classes and lectures on the same days.”
QCOSS executive officer Mark Henley said the report found housing costs continued to be a leading contributor to increasing costs of living across regional locations.
“Every person in Queensland deserves to live a good life but this report shows that many people are struggling to survive, often having to decide between putting food on the table and paying rent,” Mr Henley said.
The report found rising costs of energy and healthcare are also of concern as well as affordable public transport.
“We need targeted responses to support people experiencing financial vulnerability to make sure everyone can access a basic standard of living.”