Help on way to combat costs

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong Council has joined the Affordable Living Alliance in a bid to help combat surging living costs affecting middle to low-income families.
At Monday night’s council meeting, the council voted unanimously to join the alliance that consists of local government, charity and community groups from around Victoria.
The alliance, launched in February by the Victorian Council of Social Services, says that people pay an average of $1500 more today than in 2004 for water and energy bills.
The alliance will lobby the state and federal governments for relief in living costs including housing, food and utilities.
A report to Greater Dandenong Council by community services director June Dugina says that Springvale North Ward councillor Alan Gordon had led the push for the council to join the alliance.
Ms Dugina said that further price increases are expected this year, with water prices tipped to rise by up to 17 per cent, electricity by 17 per cent, and petrol, fruit and vegetables, rent and house prices having already risen significantly.
“Food prices, petrol and utilities are going up and at the moment a lot of low and middle income households do not have the cash to fund the price hikes,” Cr Gordon said.
“My work with the Springvale Benevolent Society has allowed me to see that the locals are really struggling.”