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The Ballarat Foundation Cost of Living survey was conducted across September and October and was designed to provide an insight into the impact of economic pressures on individuals and families in the Ballarat region.
The major findings of the survey were:
- 13.6% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that in the last six months they have fallen behind or paid rent/mortgage late.
- 37.1% of the respondents have fallen behind or paid utility bills late.
- In the past 6 months, the increased cost of living has made it difficult for 51.3% respondents to pay for food for themselves and/or their families.
- 41.1% of respondents strongly agreed their stress levels had increased, and another 40.5% agreeing stress had increased.
- 25.8% agree and a further 23.3% strongly agree that they have had to cancel medical/health appointments because they can not afford it due to the current cost of living in the past 6 months.
- 45% strongly agreed and a further 41.1% agreed that they were concerned about healthcare costs, not covered by Medicare.
- 63.3% of people agreed or strongly agreed that in the last 6 months, they have not had money to spend on non-essential items such as leisure, activities or holidays, and this has changed in the last 12-18 months with 303 respondents stating they now have less money to spend.
The Cost of Living survey is part of the Ballarat Foundation's Vital Signs project. CLICK HERE to visit the Vital Signs online platform.
The Ballarat Foundation is utilising information from this survey to understand areas of needs, and to help inform our decision making. It's essential to gather data and insights through the survey to identify challenges faced by the community.
