661, YES, beer is expensive, try $5+ for a stubby or $44 for a carton. Anywhere remote has logistics problems that are solved with money. Zone A tax rebates are an attempt to compensate for the transport added costs to everything and the minor inconveniences incurred by living/working in a remote area.
apart from that, HID is not such a bad place, there are certainly worse places to live/work as a pilot. Strong sense of camaradery amongst the pilot community, there have been previous posts reminiscing the experience many have enjoyed.
The bonus for a pilot though, is the opportunity to fly in and out of a couple of challenging strips and enjoy some spectacular and photogenic scenery while you do it, and the Torres Straits islanders are generally a jovial race with a good sense of humour.
Very few regret their time/experience there.