Many Sunbury and Macedon Ranges households are forking out more than 30 per cent of their income for rent, Australia’s first rental affordability index reveals.
The report, prepared by national economics and community banking groups, listed Kyneton and Woodend among towns where rents were unaffordable, with the average tenant spending almost a third of their weekly budget on housing.
The report stated this was defined as ‘‘housing stress’’, affecting tenants’ ability to also pay for food, water, school and power bills.
While average rents in Sunbury, Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Lancefield were considered to be generally affordable, CareWorks SunRanges manager Michael Austin said many renters were under significant financial pressure.
Mr Austin said job losses and increases in housing costs and living expenses were leading to more people seeking help from organisations such as the Sunbury-based support service.
Figures show CareWorks helped 1215 clients in the year to October, up from 1189 in 2014.
‘‘Those trying to manage on small incomes, or on income support, are definitely finding it hard, and rent is a major part of that,’’ he said.
‘‘We do have people come in who are all up to date with their bills, but the rent is taking such a large amount that they’ve got no money for things like food and petrol.’’
Mr Austin said it was crucial that people who found themselves drowning financially sought help early.
Donations to CareWorks’ Christmas hamper appeal can be left outside Sunbury Coles.
