It’s not $175k for goodness sake. The living costs cannot be counted as you have to live somewhere, even mum and dad usually charge board.
The HECS is not paid upfront.
Leaving the $130k as about two years GA wages or one year as a jet FO. Not a bad deal. Qualify by 25 and you can look forward to 30-35 years of reasonable income, your lifestyle choice is up to you.