How much has the price of groceries changed in Townsville?

Figures show a basket of groceries has increased by more than 10 per cent in the past 10 years in Townsville with some items trippling in price. Search our interactive.

Townsville shoppers are taking a hit to their back pocket with figures showing a basket of groceries has increased more than 10 per cent in 10 years.

The data which was released in the final Townsville Grocery Price Watch (TGPW), compares the prices of 28 products at Coles in Townsville from November 2010 to August 2022.

Regional Economist Colin Dwyer found during that 12-year pricing comparison period, a basket of groceries had increased 10.6 per cent.

The figures showed that 16 of the 28 products, which included everyday staples such as bread, eggs, and toothpaste, had increased in price.

Groceries which had the highest price increases included mince, cheese, tomatoes, and eggs.

A kilo of truss tomatoes was now $7.30 more expensive than in 2010, while the cost of beef mince had risen by $10.

Regional economist Colin Dwyer released the final Townsville Grocery Price Watch.

Meanwhile, a block of 500gm Cheer cheese once set back shoppers $6.89, saw a $4.70 price spike to $11.60.

Despite increases to the majority of items, 12 were found to have actually reduced in price – including whole not free range chicken which had dropped from $11.05 per kilo to $5 a kilo.

Grocery items which had reduced the most were apples and mandarins.

Mr Dwyer said for 14 years, TGPW had campaigned to include regional areas in regular inflation information through the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

“Townsville Grocery Price Watch has been surveying grocery prices for 15 years,” Mr Dwyer said.

“It started in 2008 and it still shows there is a need for relevant regional inflation from the ABS.”

Long time Townsville resident Donna Martin (centre) with daughter Evie Martin (L), Donna and son, Cohen Martin (R). Donna Martin has been switching up day-to-day routines as they look to lessen the hit the rising prices of food, fuel and other essentials has had.

Mr Dwyer said in 2010 insurance premiums were increasing slowly, but that had changed dramatically after cyclone Yasi in 2011.

“Regional communities need better more relevant inflation and cost of living information to monitor prices such as home and business insurance,” he said.

“Regions contribute strongly to gross domestic product and taxation revenue and deserve our fair share and a better CPI deal.”

Originally published as How much has the price of groceries changed in Townsville?