Regional survey shows cost of living is a major concern

THE biggest hardship facing Hinkler residents is coping with the increased cost of living, a local survey has found.

COST OF LIVING: Ky Collins, Scott Collins, Greg Pershouse, Nina Higgins and candidate for Hinkler Keith Pitt are happy with the response from the survey. . Picture: Mike Knott

THE biggest hardship facing Hinkler residents is coping with the increased cost of living, a local survey has found.

More than 400 people responded to a brochure distributed by LNP candidate for Hinkler Keith Pitt.

"Hinkler residents were given the opportunity to provide their feedback on what's important to them," Mr Pitt said.

"The overwhelming majority raised their concerns about the increased cost of living, including electricity price rises."

Survey responder Greg Pershouse, who runs his commercial architecture design business from home, said his electricity bills had soared to $1400 every quarter.

"That's a substantial jump to what it's been in previous years," he said.

Mr Pershouse said a downturn in commercial business, largely due to the "poor performance" of the Federal Government and the state's poor financial position, also had a negative effect.

"It takes away a lot of confidence people have," he said.

The 63-year-old said all surveys that highlighted the issues facing a community were good.

"People in Bundaberg have copped enough of a kick in the guts without increased costs strangling them as well."

Other concerns of respondents included the state of the region's roads, as well as hospitals and job creation.