Victorians Hit By Huge Rise In Charges

Hearld Sun
VICTORIAN households are paying an average of $2000 a year more for basic services compared with just over a decade ago.

As the annual increase in fees and charges kick in this financial year, the Herald Sun can reveal that some basic service costs have doubled since 1999-2000.

And this year Victorians will feel the pain with average electricity, water and gas bills combined to increase by more than $300.

Gas, electricity and water bills are now 75-100 per cent higher than in 1999-2000, which equals more than $1350 a household.

Add in council rate increases, car registration and ambulance fees, and the costs rise to more than $2000.

Meanwhile, between 1999 and 2009, Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show wages have increased by 44 per cent and inflation has risen by about 35 per cent.
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