A SOUTH-EAST Melbourne advocacy organisation has commissioned a survey that says 67 per cent of people living in south-east Melbourne are concerned about the cost of living.
The survey was conducted by insights firm Redge for Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) which states it “advocates for jobs, infrastructure, investment, liveability, sustainability and wellbeing for the southeast and everyone who works and lives in the region”.
The survey uncovered hidden surprises in cost-of-living stress within seats that could decide the election with residents in Melbourne’s south east borrowing money to pay for groceries, relying on buses to cut costs and warning that infrastructure is falling behind population growth.
The survey showed that 67 per cent of respondents rank cost of living as their main concern and 41% confirming they have accessed some form of financial support in the past 12 months. That number is higher for south-east Melbourne residents with close to 45% needing support to make ends meet.
GSEM chair Simon McKeon AO says the type of support they are accessing means they may not be on the government’s radar.
“Most commonly people are borrowing from family and friends and it’s not for luxuries, but to pay for groceries so they can put food on the table,” said McKeon.
“This is not a one-off hit. Almost 70% of people who needed financial help in the past year needed it more than once, and more than a quarter needed it regularly.”
The new research highlighted that 35% of residents in the region regularly travel by bus and when they were asked what they valued most about the service, users pointed above all to cost.
Hospitals were listed as the top priority for government investment, followed by roads, community safety and public transport. More than half of the GSEM residents surveyed felt that infrastructure was not keeping up with population growth.
McKeon, who lives in McCrae, said he has seen firsthand the effects cost-of-living stresses are placing on Mornington Peninsula community members.
“Speaking to Jeremy from Southern Peninsula Community Support recently, and knowing the results of this survey, I was really struck by how SPCS is coping with all that is being presently asked of it,” said McKeon.
“That organisation is on the front line, day in and day out, dealing with rough sleepers right through to parents who are consistently concerned about providing food for their children, or how they are going to raise their next rental payment.”
McKeon said the research sends a clear message ahead of the November election.
“Residents clearly need better transport, better roads, stronger communities and more investment in health and services,” said McKeon.
“This is a region that is growing fast, contributing strongly to Victoria’s economy, and asking for its fair share of investment.
“The message is clear. If government invests in the south-east, it will relieve cost of living pressures, improve livability and unlock economic growth for the whole state.”
First published in the Mornington News – 21 July 2026
