Cost of living is tough

WITH the national census figures revealing an average weekly income in the Clarence Valley, it is obvious many people are doing it tough.

WITH the national census figures revealing an average weekly income in the Clarence Valley hovering around $396 a week for individuals and $770 for households, it is obvious many people are doing it tough.

Penny Williams, Salvation Army Corp officer and pastor for Maclean yesterday said that although she had not seen the figures herself she was not surprised.

"This week we had 22 people looking for assistance, but the numbers vary and we would probably average around 10-15 people a week here in Maclean," she said.

Due to the rise in electricity prices in the past few months, Ms Williams said there had been increased demand for emergency assistance and as a result the Maclean branch had run out of vouchers.

"I think it's probably gotten worse in some respects. More people are finding it hard."

"I think a lot of people who are working and doing it tough may not feel like they can access our service and may take a while to build up the courage to come and see us," she said.

"We try to look at each situation individually and also look at a variety of ways we may be able to help; be it emergency relief, counselling, or assisting with budgeting and bills."

"We're open to anyone who needs help and we'll help in any way we can, " she said.

More information is available from the Salvation Army, River Street Maclean between 10am and 11.45am on Mondays. No appointment needed.

Cost of living in Valley

Average weekly household income has risen from $657 to $770

Average personal income has risen from $335 per week to $396

Average weekly rent has risen from $150 to $210 (40% increase compared to a national average of $285 which is an increase of 49.2%)

Median mortgage repayments have risen from $693 to $1300

Originally published as Cost of living is tough