Yes, as my fellow Aussie quilters say, prices for quilting fabric are very expensive here. Our LQS has fabric for $29 per metre, and around $5 for fat quarters, so often supporting the smaller stores really is difficult. I try for the best quality I can, and have had some good buys recently, around $6.99 for some good quality plain fabrics. You just have to be strong and really search the bargain tables.
As Billy pointed out recycling and recreating are going to be the things that keep us going...often my thrift store bargains are the most beautiful and nothing gets your fingers tingling more than a vintage find .... always keep in mind, someone's fashion disaster is just a stunning quilt waiting to be put together.
As pointed out by other posters, you don't need all the "fruit" to make a good quilt, sure it's lovely to have lots of tools, rulers and such, but to me I try and keep it simple and make my money stretch. I am not giving this quilting up for anything!