Alice Springs rents, fuel costs stay high compared to Darwin: ACOSS report

WHILE median rent prices in Darwin and Palmerston have dropped dramatically in recent years, Alice Springs prices have remained relatively high, data shows

Median house rental prices in Alice Springs are on par with houses in inner city Darwin, new data shows

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WHILE median rent prices in Darwin and Palmerston have dropped dramatically in recent years, Alice Springs prices have remained relatively high.

According to the Northern Territory Council of Social Service’s most recent cost of living report, Alice Springs prices are the equal highest with inner city Darwin for three bedroom units at $515 and four bedroom houses $650.

Rental costs in Alice Springs are the highest in the Territory for two bedroom units at $415.

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The report also found motorists in the Alice Springs and Tennant Creek regions pay around 60 cents per litre more for unleaded fuel than motorists in the Darwin region (113.8 cents per litre).

NTCOSS policy advisor Jonathan Pilbrow said he wants an expansion of the eligibility criteria for the NT Concession Scheme to include people most in need, including people on JobSeeker and other people eligible for a Commonwealth Health Care Card.

“High electricity, food, rental and fuel prices put real pressure on households who are managing on a tight budget, with people constantly having to make very difficult choices about whether they can afford to put fuel in their car, food on the table or buy clothes for their children”, he said.

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“Transport costs hit households in regional and remote areas hardest: the NT regional fuel price average is the highest in the country for regional areas, despite some recent price falls across the NT.

“Affordable and accessible transport services are essential for vulnerable households to access essential services, seek and hold employment, and simply do their weekly shopping.”

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