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The Rising Cost of Living in Hammond Electorate
The challenges of modern life are palpable, especially in the Hammond electorate. Local residents are grappling with various economic hurdles, including the aftermath of the TFI fire, COVID-19, extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, and ever-increasing living expenses.
Local Perspectives on Economic Struggles
Keith Dunham, a bus driver from White Sands, expresses concern for his teenage children and their friends, highlighting the financial strain on families. “Juniors, trainees, and apprentices are all earning low wages, while insurance, electricity, and fuel costs continue to rise,” he notes. The pressure on homeowners from high-interest rates has also left many feeling precarious.
Voices from the Community
Mr. Dunham has been married for 18 years and mentions that for the first time since buying their home, his family has found themselves in debt. His perspective resonates with many locals surveyed by Murray Bridge News, where the high cost of living, particularly concerning energy bills and grocery prices, ranked as the second most pressing issue.
Call for Government Action
Candidates Respond to Economic Concerns
Simone Bailey, representing the Labor party, acknowledges the pressure household budgets are under due to global economic factors. She emphasizes initiatives such as the introduction of the Metro Card, which aims to significantly reduce bus fares from $24 to $4.55, as well as expanded eligibility for transport assistance programs.
Independent Candidates Weigh In
Lucas Hope, an independent candidate, highlights the pressure caused by skyrocketing rents and home prices due to high migration rates. He plans to advocate for a temporary reduction in migration to relieve housing demand, while Airlie Keen focuses on introducing community battery systems to help households save on energy costs.
Political Strategies for Relief
Adrian Pederick from the Liberal party presents policies focused on easing living costs, including public transport fare reductions and the abolition of stamp duty for first home buyers. Robert Roylance from One Nation stresses the need for stable and affordable energy to control costs across the board.
Engagement with the Community
Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Hammond election forum at the Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge on March 10 at 6:30 PM, where candidates will share their plans for addressing the rising cost of living in the region. For further details and to RSVP, visit www.trybooking.com.
