I know little about Epping and Dandenong, the two outer Melbourne areas referred to here. But Melbourne has been the most locked down city in AUstralia, maybe even in the world. And the most totalitarian government in Oz.
It seems to be a worldwide phenonomen for food items to be priced so as to be unaffordable for mainstream societies. I have ceased buying vegetables whose prices have skyrocketed and I am nowhere near Melbourne. I have family in Rural Victoria and so far have heard no complaints, but they are dairying, so have access to what they produce, including meat, and grow some vegies.
It’s winter now so life is harder for Melbournians. I would not live there if you paid me to.