40% of Rocky households struggle with basic bills: survey

FINANCIAL meltdown is around the corner for up to 41% of Rockhampton households coming to terms with soaring utility bills and high rents.

FINANCIAL meltdown is around the corner for up to 41% of Rockhampton households coming to terms with soaring utility bills and high rents.

A special APN investigation found 48,112 people in the Rockhampton and Livingstone council areas were unable to raise $2000 cash in a week to cover a crisis.

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Sceptical

Of the region's 116,722 residents, 20,696 have had cash-flow problems in the past 12 months. University of Adelaide figures reveal 29,676 relied on government incomes to survive over the past two years.

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council chief Dr John Falzon said some residents were taking drastic measures to cut costs.

"We've recently seen huge increases in the costs of gas so many of the homes our members visit have people huddled together freezing in the dead of winter, unable to afford heating," Dr Falzon said. "People are even reducing the number of times they'll use the stove top because they're worried about the cost."

Low income support specialist Maree O'Halloran said people in areas like Rockhampton went without fresh food and medications just to pay the rent. "What we see is a lot of debt," the National Welfare Rights Network president said.

Choice chief Alan Kirkland said pressure was building as government actions including the repeal of the carbon tax failed to deliver. "So far, the impact of the carbon tax repeal has failed to meet the expectations of many households, despite evidence that savings are being passed on, particularly on electricity and gas bills," Mr Kirkland said. - APN NEWSDESK

Originally published as 40% of Rocky households struggle with basic bills: survey