BUY local is the message Leichhardt member Jim Turnour pushed yesterday as small businesses continue to struggle in the economic crisis.

Releasing his second PriceWatch survey of grocery prices, Mr Turnour reminded residents Cairns and regional towns were built on the back of small businesses and people should always shop locally where possible.

He said figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that Leichhardt alone had 13,960 small
business.

"In these tough economic times, one of the best things that we can do, and one of the most practical, is to buy local," he said.

"The Rudd Government's economic security package is about stimulating our economy and generating jobs.

"Right now we are seeing millions of dollars in bonus payments reaching people’s pockets locally.

"I would like to encourage people to spend their money locally and to buy Aussie-made goods where they can."

The results of the December PriceWatch survey reflected the financial squeeze consumers were facing, with the price of everyday groceries rising on average by $2.82 for a basket of 44 standard items.

Bi-Lo at Cairns Central recorded the cheapest check-out price. Woolworths at Redlynch was the cheapest store based on the everyday price.

"We saw from the September results, and we’re seeing it even more this month, that taking advantage of items on special will save you money," Mr Turnour said.

"Up to $13.20 was saved at the check-out in the December shopping survey.

"A saving of $13 every week or fortnight for shoppers over the course of a year really adds up. For people on low incomes, or even those who are just watching their pennies, this is a lot of money."

The Pease St Piccones store recorded a large improvement in its checkout price in the latest PriceWatch survey.

In September, the check-out price was $237.57 and this month came in at $231.94, a decrease of $5.63.

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