Community Profile 2008 - Bellingen Shire€¦ · Bellingen Shire Council Community Profile 2008...

Community Profile

2008

BBeelllliinnggeenn SShhiirree CCoouunncciill

Bellingen Shire Council Community Profile 2008 (edited 28/07/2011) 2

Table of contents 1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... 3

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE BELLINGEN SHIRE .......................................................... 5

2.1 Location ................................................................................................. 5

2.2 Area Statistics ....................................................................................... 5

2.3 Planning Areas ...................................................................................... 6

2.4 Geographical and Economic Characteristics ......................................... 6

2.5 Selected Demographic Characteristics .................................................. 7

2.6 Service Provision and Delivery .............................................................. 9

3. DEMOGRAPHICS .................................................................................................. 10

3.1 Population ........................................................................................... 11

3.2 Age Distribution ................................................................................... 15

3.3 Family Characteristics ......................................................................... 20

3.4 Education ............................................................................................ 21

3.5 Income Distribution .............................................................................. 24

3.6 Employment ........................................................................................ 28

3.7 Housing ............................................................................................... 31

3.8 Crime ................................................................................................... 36

3.9 Health .................................................................................................. 39

3.10 Transport ............................................................................................. 41

4. PRIORITY GROUPS ............................................................................................... 44

4.1 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island People .............................................. 44

4.2 Children aged 0-14 .............................................................................. 52

4.3. Young People aged 15-24 Years ......................................................... 57

4.4 Seniors aged 55+ ................................................................................ 63

4.5 People with a Disability ........................................................................ 70


1. INTRODUCTION The Bellingen Shire Community Profile 2008 aims to present a social and demographic portrait of the Bellingen Shire; its character, its strengths and assets and its particular needs and issues. The Profile is essentially an aid to social planning particularly for Council, Community Organisations, and Government Agencies and is an integral part of the North Coast Area Assistance Scheme process in that it provides information to the Bellingen Shire Local Ranking Committee, Regional Advisory Committee, Committees of Council and funding bodies to help determine priorities for grants and contributions. The Profile provides information on population characteristics and local social issues in respect of the Bellingen Local Government Area (LGA). Information contained in this Profile is intended to assist Bellingen Shire Council and other State and Federal Government agencies, business and local community groups to assess the present and future needs of the Bellingen Shire and thus guide the allocation of resources for the effective development of community facilities and services. Information presented has been obtained from various sources, particularly, the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 Census of Population and Housing, the Department of Education and Training, Bellingen Community Facilities and Open Space Section 94 Developer Contribution Plan 2008, the Department of Home and Community Care, the Department of Community Services, Centrelink and the Department of Housing. Comments and observations made within the Community Profile 2008 are intended to identify and raise the issues for consideration and have not necessarily been endorsed by Council. A number of Action Plans and Policies have been developed by Council to address issues affecting particular community groups and areas. These include Bellingen Shire Social Plan, Bellingen Shire Aged and Disability Access Plan, and Bellingen Shire Arts and Cultural Plan. Ongoing consultation with the community is undertaken through Advisory Committees of Council regarding the social and cultural development of the Bellingen Shire. The Bellingen Shire Community Profile 2008 has been prepared by Bellingen Council’s Community Planning Officer, Josephine Robinson, with contributions from Bruce Potts, Section 94 Project Coordinator; Jeffrey Walker, Land Information Officer; Charlie Hannavy, Director, Environmental Health and Planning, Denique Littler, Senior Strategic Planner, and Roslyn Ward, Community Planning Administration Assistant.


Area Maps NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) by region

Mid North Coast LGAs


2. DESCRIPTION OF THE BELLINGEN SHIRE Bellingen Shire LGA Map

[source Dept Lands, Map Data. April 2004] 2.1 Location Bellingen Shire is situated halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The Shire is located between the Council areas of Clarence Valley Council, Armidale Dumaresq Council, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca. Coffs Harbour is the nearest large town to the north (approximately 33 kilometres) from Bellingen and Nambucca Heads is the nearest large town to the south (approximately 29 kilometres) from Bellingen. 2.2 Area Statistics Total area, in hectares 160,300 Hectares Area in State Forests 34, 070 Hectares Area in National Parks 50,440 Hectares Total State Forests and National Parks 85,510 Hectares Total Area not in State Forests and National Parks 74,790 Hectares


2.3 Planning Areas Bellingen Shire has 3 distinctive planning areas described by their distinctive geographical features and each with their own population centres, characteristics and culture. These 3 areas are: • The Eastern Seaboard – includes the main population centre of Urunga, Yellow Rock,

Newry Island and the villages of Repton, Mylestom and Raleigh. Total area; 7,409 hectares.

• The Bellinger Valley – includes the main population centre of Bellingen and the Thora,

Gleniffer and Kalang valleys. Total area; 97,861 hectares. • The Dorrigo Plateau – a part of the Great Dividing Range, includes the main

population centre of Dorrigo and the villages of North Dorrigo, Bostobrick, Megan and Deervale. Total area; 54,934 hectares.

2.4 Geographical and Economic Characteristics Bellingen Shire is an area of great natural diversity which includes the beaches of the Eastern Seaboard, the rainforests and mountains of the Dorrigo Plateau, and the rivers and valleys of Bellingen, Gleniffer, Kalang and Thora. The Dorrigo escarpment forms a natural barrier across the Shire. Dorrigo town and its hinterland are particularly isolated from the rest of the Shire. The town of Dorrigo is a half hour drive from Bellingen, accessed by a single steep and winding road 29 kilometres in length, the Waterfall Way, which is often closed due to flooding, in times of heavy rainfall. Repairs to the flood damaged Waterfall Way can increase travel time to Dorrigo to one hour. 18% of the Shire’s population lives on the Plateau. It is also necessary to pass through Dorrigo town in order to access the east and western areas of the plateau as all roads radiate from that township. This fact could be used to advance the economic development of Dorrigo. Thora and Kalang are also isolated rural population centres approx 1 hour from Bellingen, each serviced by one road: Thora / Darkwood Rd, 62 km, and Kalang Rd, 40 km. Both roads are partially unsealed in their upper reaches and cross a number of bridges. Both roads and bridges are maintained by Council. Two main rivers, the Bellinger and the Kalang, traverse the Shire; both are prone to rapid flooding further isolating the communities of the Thora and Kalang Valleys. The major industries of employment for Bellingen Shire residents 15 years and over are; Health Care and Community Services employing 13.3% compared to NSW 10.46%; Retail, 11.3% (NSW 11%); Education and Training 10.35%, (NSW 7.5%); Agriculture and forestry 9.24% (NSW, 2.7%); Construction 8%, (NSW 7.3%); and Manufacturing 7%, (NSW 9.5%). Tourism is becoming increasingly important to the Shire. Accommodation, cafes and restaurants and other tourism related services employ 9% of the workforce compared to 6.55% for the State. The Bellingen Shire has a wide range of tourist attractions including National Parks, beaches, rivers, festivals, monthly markets and heritage items. The Shire now has 7 caravan parks, 5 hotels, 5 motels, and numerous Bed and Breakfast accommodation.


2.5 Selected Demographic Characteristics In the 2006 Census (held on 8th August 2006), there were 12,416 persons usually resident in Shire: 48.7% were males and 51.3% were females. Aboriginality: Of the total population of Bellingen Shire, 320 were Aboriginal persons (2.6%), compared with Coffs Harbour 3.6%, Nambucca 5.7%, Kempsey 9.3% NSW 2% and Australia 2.3%. It is to be noted that 360 Bellingen Shire residents did not state their Aboriginality. More detailed information about Bellingen Shire’s Aboriginal population can be found on page 48. Age Distribution: In the 2006 Census, 20.2% of the population usually resident in Bellingen Shire were children aged between 0-14 years, and 32.3% were persons aged 55 years and over. The median age of persons was 44 years, compared with 37 years for persons in Australia. The proportional percentage of people over the age of 55 years in the Bellingen Shire is significantly higher than NSW and Australia. 32% of Bellingen Shire’s population is over 55 years compared to NSW 24% and Australia 23%. Ancestry: 83.0% of persons usually resident in Bellingen Shire stated they were born in Australia. Other common responses within Bellingen Shire were: England 4.7%, New Zealand 1.4%, Germany 0.8%, Scotland 0.6% and Netherlands 0.4%. Citizenship: 91.2% of persons (11,327) usually resident in Bellingen Shire were Australian citizens, 11.3% (1,406 persons) were born overseas and 0.5% (62 persons) were overseas visitors. Family Characteristics: In the 2006 Census, there were 3,464 families in the Shire: 36.8% were couple families with children, 43.0% were couple families without children, 19.0% were one parent families and 1.2% were other families. Housing; There were 5,100 occupied private dwellings counted in Bellingen Shire; 88.7% were separate houses, 1.6% were semi-detached, row or terrace house, townhouse etc, 4.6% were flats, unit or apartment and 5.1% were other dwellings. Ownership

: 45.2% of occupied private dwellings were fully owned, 25.3% were being purchased and 24.0% were rented. The median weekly rent was $165, compared to $190 in Australia. The median monthly housing loan repayment was $1,015, compared to $1,300 in Australia. This represents 37% of the Bellingen Shire median household income.

Household Type

: 67.3% of occupied private dwellings were family households, 25.2% were lone person households and 2.8% were group households. The average household size was 2.4 and the average number of persons per bedroom was 1.1.

Landlord type

In 2006 in the Bellingen LGA 24.52% of dwellings were subject to rental agreements compared to the State figure of 29.53% for the same period.

: Of the occupied private dwellings being rented, 44.1% were rented from a real estate agent, 8.5% were rented from a State or Territory housing authority and 42.7% were rented from other landlord type. In comparison, in Australia 50.5% were rented from a real estate agent and 14.9% from a state or territory housing authority.


Income: In Bellingen Shire the median weekly individual income for persons aged 15 years and over who were usual residents was $336, compared with $466 in Australia. The median weekly household income was $622, compared with $1,027 in Australia. The median weekly family income was $777, compared with $1,171 in Australia. Language: English was stated as the only language spoken at home by 93.9% (11,660 persons) of Bellingen Shire’s population. The most common languages other than English spoken at home were: German 0.6% (79 persons), Dutch 0.2% (27 persons), Cantonese 0.2% (20 persons), French 0.1% (17 persons) and Spanish 0.1% (15 persons). Marital Status: 48.1% of persons aged 15 years and over usually resident in Bellingen Shire were married, 28.1% never married, 16.3% separated or divorced and 7.7% widowed. Religious Affiliation: the most common responses for religious affiliation of Bellingen Shire residents were: No Religion 26.0%, Anglican 24.9%, Catholic 17.4%, Uniting Church 7.7% and Presbyterian and Reformed 2.9%. [Source ABS 06 Census Quickstats] NB Some values in this QuickStats may have been adjusted to avoid release of confidential data. These adjustments may have a significant impact on the calculated percentages in QuickStats. For further information refer to Introduced Random Error

http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/vwDictionary/Introduced%20random%20error?opendocument�


2.6 Service Provision and Delivery In view of the Shire’s geographical and demographic characteristics, services need to be based in each major township and accessible to outlying rural areas. Residents of the plateau, valley and seaboard need access to local services for childcare, young people, family health, the frail aged and people with disabilities. People and retirees with low incomes and / or lacking private transport are especially affected by the geography. Services need to be outreaching and / or mobile to meet the needs of outlying areas. Some cause for concern is that, in the current climate of competition for government funding, Bellingen Shire in general and the Dorrigo Plateau in particular, are often quoted in funding submissions as intended areas of service outreach. Unfortunately, the drain on service resources, the travel costs and the lack of local knowledge creates barriers to successful outreach delivery whose services may then be suspended. The Bellingen Shire is further disadvantaged in attracting funding for locally based services as it is perceived as being adequately serviced by regional services when this is not always the case. Bellingen Shire boasts a wide range of community services including:- • branches of the Clarence Regional Library at Dorrigo, Bellingen and Urunga; • hospitals at Dorrigo and Bellingen; • high schools at Dorrigo and Bellingen; • 6 public primary schools and 4 private primary schools; • pre-schools servicing Dorrigo, Bellingen, Urunga and the upper valley; • 11 public halls covering most localities throughout the Shire; • a wide range of sporting facilities and organisations. Bellingen Shire Council provides the following community services;- • Dorrigo Aged and Disability Services through the Dorrigo Support Centre • Dorrigo Youth Services • Dorrigo Neighbourhood Program (2008-10) Detailed information of community services and community groups in the Bellingen Shire can viewed in the Bellingen Shire Community Directory, published by the Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre and available online at Council’s website, www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/community/directory.html. A hard copy of the directory can also be viewed in the Bellingen, Dorrigo and Urunga Libraries or obtained from the Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre. Council maintains sewage treatment works for each of the main urban centres. Water pumped from bores on the Bellingen River supplies Bellingen, Repton, Mylestom, Urunga and areas in between while Dorrigo has its own water supply. To link all the localities in the Shire, Council maintains 246 km of sealed rural roads and 207 km unsealed rural roads. Additionally, Council maintains 82 km of urban roads. Numerous bridges and culverts crossing the Shire’s many rivers and streams are part of this road system.

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/community/directory.html�


3. DEMOGRAPHICS Explanation The main source of information in this section comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2006 Census of Population and Housing data and ABS 2001 Census Data from Census Applications Pty Ltd CASAS 2006. The ABS material is derived from the information collected from people who completed the census on census night. Statistical information is available on the ABS website at www.censusdata.abs.gov.au Other sources of information have been obtained from the Departments of Health, Housing, Education, the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. Statistical Accuracy Random adjustment to avoid releasing individual information, plus an estimate of 1.9% undercount of the total population by the ABS, precludes absolute accuracy. The Aboriginal population for example, is acknowledged to be under counted. When collecting statistics, the ABS uses Collection Districts. In Bellingen Shire, these Collection Districts take into account the border between the Dorrigo Plateau and the Bellinger Valley. However, in order to describe Bellingen Shire’s main planning areas, a division has also been made in this profile to include Raleigh and Repton in the Seaboard planning area, and Fernmount and Brierfield areas in the Valley planning area as described in “Planning Areas’ on page 12. The statistical information for these planning areas was sourced through the CASAS 2006 Program. It should also be noted that the census collection area for postcode 2453 (Dorrigo Plateau) includes part of the neighbouring local government area of Clarence Valley. The use of ABS statistics by postcode has generally been avoided in the 2008 Profile, unless stated otherwise.

http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/�


3.1 Population At the 2006 Census the population of the Bellingen Shire was 12,416 excluding visitors to the area compared to Nambucca Shire; 17, 897 Coffs Harbour; 64,910 and Kempsey Shire 27,387. 48.7% of the Bellingen LGA population are males, and 51.3% are females.

Local Government Area Populations

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000

Bellingen

Nambucca

Coffs Hbr

Kempsey

Persons

FemaleMaleTotal

Female 6,366 9,118 33,337 13,604

Male 6,050 8,779 31,573 13,783

Total 12,416 17,897 64,910 27,387

Bellingen Nambucca Coffs Hbr Kempsey

[source: ABS 2006 Census Data]

Population Density and Distribution The Bellingen Shire has 85,510 hectares of National Park and State Forest, which represents 53% of the Shire and contributes to a low population density. There is 2.1 hectares of National Park for each person in the Shire. 40% of Bellingen Shire’s population live in rural areas compared with the average 29% of other NSW North Coast local government areas. The three main population centres are the towns of: Persons Bellingen 2,878 Dorrigo 967 Urunga 2,687 Other population centres include:- Mylestom 338 Repton 620


Planning Areas The Seaboard *Population: 4,274 (34% of the Shire) Includes the town of Urunga and the state suburbs of South Urunga, Mylestom, Repton, Raleigh and Yellow Rock Approximate Area: 84.9 km2

Major Population Centre: Urunga; includes Newry Island and parts of Yellow Rock Villages: Repton, Raleigh, Mylestom The Valley *Population: 5,879 (47% of the Shire) Includes the town of Bellingen and the state suburbs of North Bellingen, Fernmount, Hydes Creek, North Bank, Valery, Brierfield, Gleniffer, Kalang and Thora Approximate Area: 973.9 km2

Major Population Centre: Bellingen The Plateau *Population: 2,292 (18% of the Shire) Includes the town of Dorrigo and the state suburbs of North Dorrigo, Bostobrick, Megan and Deer Vale Approximate Area: 545.7 km2

Major Population Centre: Dorrigo [source: ABS 2006 Census Data] *population figures include visitors


Population Trends; Bellingen Shire 1996 – 2006 The population of Bellingen Shire, including visitors, has increased by 1.6% over the past decade. The population of Bellingen and the Valley has increased by 6.37%, while the population has decreased by 5% on the Dorrigo Plateau and 0.8% on the Seaboard. The decline of the population of the Dorrigo Plateau and township can be attributed to the loss of industry and employment opportunities. However, the Plateau possesses rich resources and assets indicating a potential for economic growth and development through innovative planning, financial investment and community cooperation. Such resources include The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Indigenous and European History as well as the natural beauty of the Plateau, all of which make the Plateau, as with the rest of the Shire, an attractive destination for visitors. There are also unique opportunities for emerging agribusiness and aquaculture on the Plateau. The development and utilisation of these resources and assets could help offset the risk of increasing social isolation and economic disadvantage for residents of the Dorrigo Plateau.

Bellingen Shire Population Trends

Change %Change

1996 2001 2006 1996-2006 1996-2006

Seaboard 4308 4150 4274 -34 -0.79

Valley 5526 5824 5879 352 6.37

Plateau 2419 2233 2292 -127 -5

Bellingen Shire 12,253 12,208 12,445 191 1.6

[Source: ABS 2006 Census Data Table B01] Please Note: This table has been re-issued with improved geographic concordance including visitors. NB: Some 1996 boundaries may not accurately align with 2006 boundaries. The total population figures include visitors to the area.

Population Trends 1996 - 2006

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000

Seaboard

Valley

Plateau

Bellingen Shire

2006 2001 1996


Population Projections

Population Projections for Bellingen Shire 2006 – 2028

Year Population Av Annual Growth (%)

Population Projection (2008)

Av Annual Growth (2008) (%)

ABS Census ABS Census S.94 Plan S.94 Plan

1991 11 653

1996 12 210 1.03%

2001 11 986 -0.07%

2006 12 417 0.3%

2008 12 464

2012 12 589 0.25%

2016 13 193 1.2%

2020 13 826 1.2%

2024 14 323 0.9%

2028 14 724 0.7%

[Source Bellingen Community Facilities and Open Space Section 94 Developer Contribution Plan 2008] NB population figures do not include visitors

Based on data available from the ABS (census 2006) and on historical Census figures (1991, 1996, 2001) it is expected that the population of the Bellingen LGA will increase from 12,417 persons (2006) to 14,724 persons by 2028, indicating a net growth of 2,307 persons. It is expected that most of this growth will occur in or near established urban centres and is more likely to be greater towards the coast. Generally the population growth is not expected to be evenly distributed. The freestanding detached dwelling is expected to remain the preferred choice of housing stock, however medium density housing such as apartments and villa type development may become more popular as the community ages. [Source Bellingen Community Facilities and Open Space Section 94 Developer Contribution Plan 2008]


3.2 Age Distribution Age Group Comparisons In the 2006 Census, the percentage of children aged between 0-14 years usually resident in the Bellingen Shire is comparable to that of NSW at 20% of the population. However, the percentage of children in the Bellingen Shire aged 4 years and under is lower at 5% compared to NSW 6.4%, while the percentage of children between the ages of 5 and 14yrs is higher at 15% in the Bellingen Shire compared to NSW 13.4%.

18% of the Shire population is over the age of 65 compared to NSW and Australia at 13%. The proportional percentage of people over the age of 55 years in the Bellingen Shire is significantly higher than NSW and Australia. 32% of Bellingen Shire’s population is over 55 years compared to NSW, 25% and Australia, 24%.

Comparison of Age Groups

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

% o

f Pop

AUS 6% 14% 14% 42% 11% 13%

NSW 6% 13% 13% 42% 11% 14%

Bellingen LGA 5% 15% 10% 38% 14% 18%

0-4yrs 5-14 yrs 15-24yrs 25-54yrs 55-64yrs 65yrs +

[Source: ABS 2006 Census Table B04] The median age of persons in Bellingen Shire is 44 years, compared with 37 years for persons in NSW and Australia respectively. 38% of the Shire’s resident population is aged 25 to 54 compared to 42% of the State and National equivalent of this age group. Since 1996, the median age has increased most on the Plateau from 37 to 46 years.

Median Age Trends of Persons

Change %Change

Year 1996 2001 2006 1996-2006 1996-2006

Bellingen Shire 37 41 44 7 18.9

Seaboard 43 45 49 6 14.0

Valley 35 38 41 6 17.1

Plateau 37 42 46 9 24.3

[Source. Time Series Tables ABS 2006 Census CASA]


Age Distribution by Planning Areas The distribution pattern of age groups is consistent across the Shire’s planning areas with the exception of the over 65 year olds. There are a proportionately higher number of people of this age group on the Seaboard with 26% (1,116 persons) of the Seaboard population over 65 years old compared to 13% of the Valley (793 persons) and 19% of the Plateau (451 persons). However, there is also significantly higher numbers of 45 -54 year olds resident in the Valley (1,062 persons) than on the Seaboard (661 persons) or the Plateau (379 persons) There is also a proportionately higher number of children in the Valley. 17% of the Valley population is between the ages of 5 and 14 (1,008 persons) compared to 12% (537 persons) on the Seaboard and 15% (349) on the Plateau.

Planning Area Age Distribution

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75+

Age

Pers

ons

Seaboard Valley Plateau

Age Groups as a Percentage of the Population Shire Seaboard Valley Plateau

Age Persons Prop%(a) Persons % age group Persons

% age group Persons

% age group

0-4 629 5.07 172 26.9 356 55.6 112 17.5 5-9 881 7.10 252 28.0 467 51.8 182 20.2

10-14 993 8.00 293 29.1 535 53.1 180 17.9 15-19 825 6.64 228 30.1 390 51.5 140 18.5 20-24 386 3.11 137 36.7 178 47.7 58 15.5 25-29 306 2.46 103 32.8 162 51.6 49 15.6 30-34 550 4.43 167 30.7 289 53.1 88 16.2 35-39 727 5.85 200 28.5 387 55.1 115 16.4 40-44 950 7.65 268 29.3 469 51.2 179 19.5 45-49 1,114 8.97 323 30.0 546 50.8 206 19.2 50-54 1,051 8.46 338 32.9 516 50.2 173 16.8 55-59 923 7.43 326 36.3 400 44.5 173 19.2 60-64 814 6.56 335 37.3 334 37.2 171 19.0 65-69 683 5.50 351 48.4 237 32.7 137 18.9 70-74 544 4.38 300 52.9 180 31.7 87 15.3 75+ 1041 8.38 474 43.9 389 36.0 217 20.1

[Source ABS 2006 CASAS Comparison Program, Table B04] (a) persons as a percentage of the total population.


Age Groups Trends; 1996 - 2006 The graph below clearly shows the ageing of Bellingen Shire’s population over the last 10 years, as the age curve peak moves across from age 35 in 1996 to age 50 in 2006. The population curve peaks at ages 10–14 and 45–55 and starts to plummet at age 15 reaching its lowest point at 20–30 as this age group leaves the Shire, presumably in search of employment, higher education and training, career options and new experiences. The most significant trend over the past decade is the increase of the 45-64 age group attributed to the resident ageing population and the influx of sea-changers and retirees to the Shire. The most dramatic is a 61% increase in the 50–54 year age group and a 40% increase in the frail aged population over the age of 75 years. The Shire’s birth rate on the other hand, has fallen. The number of children aged 0-4 has decreased by 24.5%, while the number of young people aged 15–19 has increased by 15%. These figures demonstrate the need for effective forward planning especially to meet the future needs of an increasingly ageing community and to ensure adequate provision for the increasing numbers of young people.

Bellingen LGA Age Groups Trends 1996-2006

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

0-4 5-910-1

415-1

920-2

425-2

930-3

435-3

9

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-84

85 +

Age

Num

bers

199620012006

Bellingen Shire Age Group Trends Change % Change

Age 1996 2001 2006 1996-2006 1996-2006 0-4 833 716 629 -204 -24.5 5-9 1,102 963 881 -221 -20.1

10-14 1,138 1,098 993 -145 -12.7 15-19 716 796 825 109 15.2 20-24 430 328 386 -44 -10.2 25-29 495 409 306 -189 -38.2 30-34 800 575 550 -250 -31.3 35-39 1,064 843 727 -337 -31.7 40-44 1,000 1,073 950 -50 -5.0 45-49 858 1,007 1,114 256 29.8 50-54 654 839 1,051 397 60.7 55-59 636 703 923 287 45.1 60-64 607 649 814 207 34.1 65-69 636 585 683 47 7.4 70-74 496 541 544 48 9.7 75-79 344 402 449 105 30.5 80-84 235 259 311 76 32.3 85 + 166 200 281 115 69.3

[Source: ABS 2006 Census Time Series Table] NB Excludes visitors


Age Group Trends by Planning Areas In the 2006 census, the fall in the Shire’s birth rate is 50% greater on the Seaboard and Plateau than in the Valley. Over the past decade, the numbers of 0-4 year olds has fallen by 32% (172 children) on the Seaboard and by 31% (112 children) on the Plateau compared to a decrease of 17% (356 children) in the Valley. Consistent with the falling birth rate, the ageing of the population is more pronounced in the Valley than on the Seaboard or Plateau. The number of people over 55 years of age has increased by 46% in the Valley compared to 14% on the Seaboard, and 35% on the Plateau. The number of people aged between 50 and 54 has increased dramatically by 92.5% in the Valley compared to 43% on the Seaboard and 4% on the Plateau. However, the number of frail aged people age over 75 years has increased more markedly on the Seaboard by 45%, (474 persons), and the Plateau by 47%, (217) than in the Valley at 32% (389 persons), indicating a need for increased aged care services and housing across the Shire, to ensure that the needs of this age group are properly met. The 15% increase in the Shire’s young people age 15-19 years has occurred mainly in the Valley;19% and on the Seaboard;17%, while this age group has decreased by 3% on the Plateau, again indicating a need for increased youth services in those areas, to ensure that the needs of this age group are adequately met.

Age Group Trends 1996-2006

-60.0

-40.0

-20.0

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75+

Age Groups in Years

% C

ha

ng

e


[Source ABS 2006 CASAS Table 4]


Planning Area Age Group Trends 1996-2006

Seaboard Valley Plateau 2006 Persons % change Persons % Change Persons % Change 0-4 172 -31.7 356 -17.2 112 -30.9 5-9 252 -23.4 467 -19.6 182 -12.9

10-14 293 -8.7 535 -3.4 180 -27.1 15-19 228 16.9 390 18.9 140 -2.8 20-24 137 5.4 178 -11.9 58 -38.3 25-29 103 -29.9 162 -37.0 49 -45.6 30-34 167 -29.2 289 -26.5 88 -46.0 35-39 200 -33.6 387 -30.6 115 -38.8 40-44 268 -10.1 469 -8.0 179 -3.2 45-49 323 18.3 546 34.5 206 17.7 50-54 338 42.6 516 92.5 173 3.6 55-59 326 19.4 400 75.4 173 29.1 60-64 335 5.0 334 71.3 171 62.9 65-69 351 -1.1 237 18.5 137 29.2 70-74 300 2.4 180 30.4 87 -3.3 75+ 474 45.8 389 31.9 217 46.6

Total 4267 -0.4 5835 5.3 2267 -5.8

inc OS visitors 4277 -0.4 5870 5.4 2293 -4.9 [Source. Comparison Program ABS 2006 Census CASA Table 4]


3.3 Family Characteristics Bellingen Shire % of total families

Bellingen Shire % of total families in

Australia Total families 3,464 - - Couple families with children 1,273 36.8% 45.3% Couple families without children 1,490 43.0% 37.2% One parent families 659 19.0% 15.8% Other families 40 1.2% 1.7% In the 2006 Census, there were 3,464 families in Bellingen Shire: 36.8% (1,273) were couple families with children, 43.0% (1,490) were couple families without children, 19.0% (659) were one parent families and 1.2% (40) were other families. [Source ABS 06 Census Quickstats] 36.8% percentage of Bellingen Shire families are couples with children. This is less than the national average of 45% yet the Shire has a higher percentage of single parent families at 19% of total families than the national percentage of 15.8%.

Bellingen Shire Family Characteristics

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Couple,no

children

Couple +childrenunder 15

Couple,no

childrenunder 15

Oneparentfamily +childrenunder 15

SingleParent nochildrenunder 15

Otherfamily

TotalFamilies

withChildren

TotalSingleParent

families

No o

f Fam

ilies

Seaboard ValleyPlateau Shire

Family Characteristics

Seaboard Valley Plateau Shire % families

Couple, no children 596 579 298 1,490 43.0

Couple + children under 15 252 496 184 925 26.7

Couple, no children under 15 115 162 67 348 10.0

One parent family + children under 15 126 239 52 417 12.0

Single Parent no children under 15 92 125 39 243 7.0

Other family 10 18 11 40 1.2

Total Families with Children 367 658 251 1,273 36.8

Total Single Parent families 218 364 91 660 19.1 A dependant child is a person under the age of 15 or a dependant student 15-24yrs. [Source; CASAS 2006 ABS, Table B24 and B25]


3.4 Education The number of children attending preschools and primary schools in the Bellingen Shire has fallen by 7% and 21% respectively over the past decade in keeping with the decrease in the 0–14 year old age group. Attendance numbers at the high schools has fallen by 1% despite a 15% increase over 10 years in the 15–19 year age group reflecting the number of early school leavers. Attendance at tertiary institutions by Bellingen Shire residents has risen by 58% probably due to the increase of mature age students.

Trends in Educational Institutions Attended

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600

Pre-school

Infants/Primary :

Secondary :

Technical (a)

Univ ersity

Other

Institution not stated(b)

1996 2001 2006

Trends In Educational Institution Attended

1996 2001 2006 Change % Change

Pre-school 223 186 207 -16 -7.2

Gov Primary 1,208 1,029 826 -382 -31.6

Catholic Primary 168 188 185 17 10.1

Other Non Gov Primary 138 126 168 30 21.7

Government Secondary 877 897 777 -100 -11.4

Catholic Secondary 54 59 51 -3 -5.6

Other Non Gov Secondary 88 124 149 61 69.3

Technical (a) 199 259 268 69 34.7

University 169 201 193 24 14.2

Other 58 94 76 18 31.0

Institution not stated(b) 476 438 888 412 86.6 [Source: ABS 2006 Census, Table B14] These figures indicate persons attending an educational institution for study purposes only


Comparison of Tertiary Qualifications

Tertiary Qualifications

0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00

Postgrad Degree

Grad Diploma or Certificate

Bachelor Degree

Diploma / Advanced Dip'

Certificate:

inadequately described

Not stated

% of PopAustraliaNSWBellingen

Tertiary Qualifications, Bellingen Shire Age In Years 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85+ Total Postgraduate Degree

0 7 38 45 40 20 9 0 159

Graduate Diploma or Certificate

0 15 36 61 38 7 0 0 157

Bachelor Degree 14 114 231 280 178 66 29 8 920 Diploma/Advanced Dip'

24 64 165 213 145 89 32 7 739

Certificate: 145 229 438 556 312 181 85 19 1,965 Inadequately described

10 14 31 45 52 30 16 3 201

Not stated 125 63 113 145 169 173 183 92 1,063 Total 318 506 1,052 1,345 934 566 354 129 5,204 [Source: ABS 2006 Census, Table B39a] Persons aged 15+ with a qualification


Qualifications by Gender There is a marked gender imbalance in the fields of study undertaken by males and females. Males are dominant in the Science, Engineering, Technology and Agricultural fields and females in the Human Services, Hospitality and Cultural fields. This is in line with the rest of Australian society.

Non School Qualifications by Gender

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

Natural & Physical Sciences

Information Technology

Engineering & Related Technologies

Architecture & Building

Agriculture, Environmental & Related Studies

Health

Education

Management & Commerce

Society & Culture

Creative Arts

Food, Hospitality & Personal Services

Mixed Field Programmes

Males Females

[Source: ABS 2006 Census, Table B40a]


3.5 Income Distribution Median Income In Bellingen Shire the median weekly individual income for persons aged 15 years and over who were usual residents was $336, compared with $461 in NSW and $466 in Australia. The median weekly household income was $622, compared with $1036 in NSW and $1,027 in Australia. The median weekly family income was $777, compared with $1,181 in NSW and $1,171 in Australia. [Source ABS 06 Census Quickstats] Bellingen Shire has a broad income distribution; however the trend is towards the lower end of weekly incomes. In 2006 54% of individuals earned a gross individual weekly income of less than $399 per week. The median individual weekly income in 2006 was $336 per week compared to the State average of $461. [Source Bellingen Community Facilities and Open Space Section 94 Developer Contribution Plan 2008]

Median Income Comparisons

$0

$500

$1,000

$1,500

Income Type

Bellingen Shire $336 $622 $777

NSW $461 $1,036 $1,181

AUS $466 $1,027 $1,171

Individual Household Family

[Source: ABS 2006 Census Table B02] Income by Gender The number of females with weekly incomes below $400 is significantly higher than that of males. This trend is reversed in higher incomes with the number of males earning more than $600 per week exceeding that of females. This continues to reflect the lower wage scale for traditionally female occupations and unpaid child and home care commitments.

Bellingen LGA Individual Income by Gender

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

Neg/Nil income

$1-$149

$150-$249

$250-$399

$400-$599

$600-$799

$800-$999

$1,000-$1,299

$1,300-$1,599

$1,600-$1,999

$2,000 or more

not stated

FemaleMale

[Source: ABS 2006 Census Table B16]


Individual Income 38% of the Seaboard population over the age of 15 has an individual income of less than $250 per week compared with 34% of the Valley population and 38% of the Plateau population. 20% of the Plateau population earns between $250 and $399 per week compared with 19% of the Seaboard and 17% of the Valley.

Planning Area Individual Income

0100200300400500600700800900

1000

neg inc

ome

$1-$14

9

$150-$

249

$250-$

399

$400-$

599

$600-$

799

$800-$

999

$1000-

$1299

$1300-

$1599

$1600-

$1999

$2000

or more

Per

sons

Seaboard ValleyPlateau

Individual Income as a Percentage of the Population (Persons over 15yrs) Seaboard Valley Plateau

no income 5.5 7.2 7.8

$1-$149 7.1 7.1 8.4

$150-$249 25.1 19.5 21.3

$250-$399 19.1 16.9 20.0

$400-$599 15.7 17.3 16.5

$600-$799 8.9 8.7 7.9

$800-$999 4.9 5.4 3.9

$1000-$1299 3.8 4.6 3.7

$1300-$1599 2.2 3.1 2.5

$1600-$1999 0.6 0.9 1.3

$2000 or more 0.8 1.1 0.7

Not Stated 6.0 7.5 5.3 [Source: ABS 2006 Census Table B16]


Gross Family Weekly Income In 2006, 37.5% of family households earned less than $650 per week. The poverty line, for a family of four in June 2006, was indexed at $626.32 per week. Significantly, 17% of couples with children, and 61% of single parent families in the Bellingen LGA earned less than $650 per week. [Source Bellingen Community Facilities and Open Space Section 94 Developer Contribution Plan 2008]

Bellingen Shire Family Income

050

100150200250300350

Neg/Nil in

c

$1-$149

$150-$249

$250-$349

$350-$499

$500-$649

$650-$799

$800-$999

$1,000-$

1,199

$1,200-$

1,399

$1,400-$

1,699

$1,700-$

1,999

$2,000-$

2,499

$2,500 -$

2,999

$3,000 o

r more

Couple no children couple with children One parent Other

Family Income

Couple without

children Couple with

children One parent Other Total

Negative/Nil income 21 6 3 0 30 $1-$149 32 0 11 0 43 $150-$249 11 7 40 0 58 $250-$349 15 16 119 0 150 $350-$499 331 55 34 4 424 $500-$649 253 133 198 12 596 $650-$799 84 93 52 4 233 $800-$999 91 130 31 9 261 $1,000-$1,199 216 186 35 0 437 $1,200-$1,399 84 118 11 0 213 $1,400-$1,699 60 121 15 4 200 $1,700-$1,999 51 82 6 0 139 $2,000-$2,499 65 65 4 0 134 $2,500 -$2,999 24 27 3 0 54 $3,000 or more 24 15 0 0 39 Partial income stated(c) 101 204 77 3 385 not stated(d) 27 16 21 4 68 Total 1,490 1,274 660 40 3,464

[Source ABS 06 Census Table 26] (a) Includes same-sex couple families. (b) Excludes 'Visitors only' and 'Other not classifiable' households. (c) Comprises families where at least one, but not all, member(s) aged 15 years and over did not state an income and/or was temporarily absent on Census Night. (d) Comprises families where no members present stated an income.


Centrelink Benefits

Centrelink Benefit Recipients

2455 Seaboard

2454 Valley

2453 Plateau

Totals

Newstart Allowance 108 312 111 531

*Mature Age Newstart Allowance <20 <20 <20

Youth Allowance 91 193 76 360

Single Parent 75 256 68 399

Disability Support Pension 213 349 144 706

Age Pension 733 724 365 1,822

Totals 1,220 1,834 764 3,818 NB * all totals less than 20 are display as <20 for privacy reasons [Source: Strategic Performance and Information Management Branch, Centrelink. 5 May 2008] Over a quarter of the Shire’s population are living on a Centrelink benefit. More than two thirds of these are aged pensioners or people on disability support. 531 persons are receiving the Newstart allowance; 399 are single parents and 360 are receiving the Youth Allowance.


3.6 Employment Participation The percentage of people in full time employment in the Bellingen Shire is 15% lower at 46% than the State and National rate of 61%. Conversely, the percentage of people in part time employment is 10% higher in Bellingen Shire than in NSW and Australia. 10.44% of the Shire’s labour force population is unemployed compared to the State’s 6% and the National percentage of 5%. 45% of Bellingen Shire’s population are not in the labour force compared to 35% for NSW and 33% for Australia. This is a clear indication of the Shire’s high retired and ageing population.

Employment Participation

0.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00 60.00 70.00

Employ ed Full-time(a)

Employ ed Part-time

aw ay from w ork(b)

Hours not stated

Unemploy ed

Participation rate

Not in the labour force

status not stated

PercentBellingen NSW AUS

Employment Participation

NSW AUS Shire Seaboard Valley Plateau

Employed Full-time(a) 60.78 60.65 46.19 52.0 49.7 54.2

Employed Part-time 27.25 27.95 37.32 39.9 43.7 37.7

away from work(b) 3.35 3.52 3.44 6.1 3.7 4.4

Hours not stated 1.59 2.64 2.61 2.0 3.0 3.8

Unemployed 5.92 5.24 10.44 11.8 10.5 10.5

Participation rate 60.18 61.61 52.16 43.1 53.8 55.2

Not in the labour force 35.05 33.8 45.19 52.5 39.7 41.4

status not stated 6.94 6.66 5.52 4.4 6.5 3.4 [Source ABS 2006 Census Table B41] (a) Labour Force Status indicates whether a person was Employed, Unemployed or Not in the labour force in the week prior to Census Night. Applicable only to persons aged 15 years and over. (b) Comprises employed persons who did not work any hours in the week prior to Census Night


Employment by Industry Based on employment by industry, 13.3% of Bellingen Shire’s labour force is employed in Health Care and Social Support Services, 11.3% in the Retail Trade, 10.3% in Education and Training, 9.2% in the Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing Industry and 8.5% in Accommodation and Food Services.

Employment by Industry

0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00

Agriculture, forestry & fishing

Mining

Manufacturing

Electricity, gas, water & waste services

Construction

Wholesale trade

Retail trade

Accommodation & food services

Transport, postal & warehousing

Information media & telecommunications

Financial & insurance services

Rental, hiring & real estate services

Professional, scientific & technical services

Administrative & support services

Public administration & safety

Education & training

Health care & social assistance

Arts & recreation services

Other services

Inadequately described/Not stated

Prop %Bellingen Shire NSW Employment by Industry

Bellingen Shire NSW Agriculture, forestry and fishing 9.24 2.70 Mining 0.27 0.70 Manufacturing 7.13 9.55 Electricity, gas, water and waste services 0.84 1.00 Construction 7.90 7.31 Wholesale trade 3.15 4.70 Retail trade 11.35 11.13 Accommodation and food services 8.57 6.55 Transport, postal and warehousing 3.82 5.00 Information media and telecommunications 1.18 2.37 Financial and insurance services 1.51 4.98 Rental, hiring and real estate services 1.09 1.74 Professional, scientific and technical services 4.48 7.33 Administrative and support services 3.13 3.11 Public administration and safety 2.34 6.01 Education and training 10.35 7.55 Health care and social assistance 13.30 10.46 Arts and recreation services 1.87 1.36 Other services 3.66 3.78 Inadequately described/Not stated 2.15 2.65

[Source ABS 2006 Census Table B42]


Occupation by Gender As with individual income and fields of study there is a gender bias in male and female occupations. Males are dominant as managers, labourers, tradespersons and machine operators and females are dominant in professional, clerical, administration, sales and community work.

Occupation by Gender

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

Managers

Professionals

Tec & Trade

Community workers

Clerical / Admin

Sales staff

Machinery Operators

Labourers

Not stated

Female

Male

[Source ABS 2006 Census Table B44]

Unpaid Work

Bellingen Shire Unpaid Work

0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000

Assnt for Disability

Childcare

Voluntary Work

PersonsMale Female

Unpaid Domestic Work

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400

less than 5 hrs

5-14 hrs

15-29 hrs

30+ hrs

None

Not Stated

Persons

Male Female

[Source ABS 2006 Census Tables B18, B21 and B20]] [Source ABS 2006 Census Table B19] 'NB Unpaid Assistance to a Person with a Disability' records people who, in the two weeks prior to Census Night, spent time providing unpaid care, help or assistance to family members or others because of a disability, a long term illness or problems related to old age. 'Unpaid Child Care' records people who, in the two weeks prior to Census Night, spent time looking after a child/children (less than 15 years of age) without pay. 'Voluntary Work for an Organisation or Group' records people who spent time doing unpaid voluntary work through an organisation or group, in the twelve months prior to Census Night. [Source ABS 2006 Census Tables B18, B20 and B21] 'NB Unpaid Domestic Work, Number of Hours' records people who spent time doing unpaid domestic work in either their own home and in other places, for themselves, their family and other people in their household. [Source ABS 2006 Census Table B19]


3.7 Housing Dwelling Type In 2006 detached housing comprised 89% of the Bellingen LGA private occupied housing stock. Medium density type housing, semi detached, units and apartments, made up 6.1% of the stock, 2.5% comprised caravans and the remaining 1.1% other housing types. From the data available the ratio of dwelling types across the LGA has remained stable over the period 01-06. Tenure In 2006 45.75% of dwellings were fully owned, with a further 26.28% being purchased. This compared with figures for New South Wales where overall 34.82% of dwellings were fully owned and a further 31.88% were being purchased.

Tenure by Dwelling Structure Bellingen Shire Seaboard Valley Plateau Owned/Being Purchased(a) House* 3358 1125 1532 701 Semi* 19 4 7 0 Flat/Unit* 63 47 23 0 Other Dwelling 148 119 20 7 Rented(b)(c) House 933 321 452 167 Semi 57 37 21 7 Flat/Unit 149 103 31 8 Other Dwelling 89 48 30 9 Other tenure House 27 3 13 15 Semi 0 0 0 0 Flat/Unit 4 0 3 0 Other Dwelling 3 0 0 3 Tenure not stated House 211 53 113 31 Semi 3 3 0 0 Flat/Unit 19 15 9 3 Other (d) 16 10 4 0 Totals 5099 1888 2258 951 [Source ABS 2006 CASAS Table B32] (a) Includes dwellings being purchased under a rent/buy scheme (b) Comprises dwellings being rented from a parent/other relative or other person (c) Comprises dwellings rented through a 'Residential park (inc caravan parks, marinas)', 'Employer-govt (inc Defence Housing)' and 'Employer-other employer' (private). (d) includes dwellings ‘being occupied under a life tenure scheme’.


Tenure and Landlord type - Occupied private dwellings Owned Shire Seaboard Valley Plateau Fully owned 2301 913 901 487 Being purchased(a) 1287 382 681 221 Total Owned 3,588 1295 1582 708 Rented: Real estate agent 540 260 205 67 State Housing authority 105 56 31 17 Person not in same household(b) 418 119 227 71 Housing co-op/community/church 26 3 24 0 Other landlord type(c) 86 55 16 17 Landlord type not stated 53 16 31 19 Total Rented 1228 509 534 191 Other tenure type(d) 34 3 16 18 Tenure type not stated 249 81 126 34 Total Dwellings 5099 1888 2258 951

[Source ABS 2006 CASAS Table B32] (a) Includes dwellings being purchased under a rent/buy scheme (b) Comprises dwellings being rented from a parent/other relative or other person (c) Comprises dwellings rented through a 'Residential park (inc caravan parks, marinas)', 'Employer-govt (inc Defence Housing)' and 'Employer-other employer' (private. (d) Includes dwellings 'Being occupied under a life tenure scheme'.

In 2006 in the Bellingen Shire, 1228 or 24.52% of a total of 5099 occupied private dwellings were subject to rental agreements compared to the State figure of 29.53% for the same period. 105 dwellings were rented from a State Housing Authority and 26 through a community / housing cooperative or church organisation. The median weekly rent in Bellingen Shire is $165 per week; NSW $210. Numbers Waiting for Public Housing There is a general lack of affordable housing in Bellingen Shire and the demand for public housing also exceeds supply. There are approximately 116 public residences in the Bellingen Shire, including Aboriginal housing stock, all of which are currently occupied. The Department of Housing advises that there is no information available regarding the numbers of persons or families on the public housing waiting list but that Bellingen has a moderate waiting time of 3-5 years across all bedroom categories. The number of people on the public housing waiting list changes frequently as satisfying demand depends on houses becoming vacant and the demand for housing is unpredictable. Applicants may find alternative accommodation before they reach the top of the waiting list or they may move from the area.


Occupancy Rates The number of persons per household is 2.4 for Bellingen Shire and 2.6 for NSW. The number of persons per bedroom is 1.1 in Bellingen Shire and in NSW. There are 873 dwellings with 3 bedrooms and 400 dwellings with 4 bedrooms occupied by 2 persons only.

Bellingen Shire Occupancy Rates

Number of persons usually resident in a dwelling(a) 2 3 4 5 6+ Total Separate house: None* 5 3 0 3 0 11 1 bedroom 45 13 5 3 0 66 2 bedrooms 300 87 49 7 6 449 3 bedrooms 873 371 294 75 35 1,648 4+ bedrooms 400 202 243 142 84 1,071 not stated 19 5 4 0 3 31 Total 1,642 681 595 230 128 3,276 Semi, terrace, townhouse etc: 2 bedrooms 12 7 0 0 0 19 3 bedrooms 7 3 0 0 0 10 4+ bedrooms 0 0 0 3 0 3 Total 19 10 0 3 0 32 Flat, unit or apartment: 1 bedroom 8 0 0 0 0 8 2 bedrooms 35 0 0 0 0 35 3 bedrooms 3 0 4 0 0 7 4+ bedrooms 3 0 0 0 0 3 not stated 5 0 0 0 0 5 Total 54 0 4 0 0 58 Other dwelling: None * 3 0 0 0 0 3 1 bedroom 6 0 0 0 3 9 2 bedrooms 13 0 0 3 0 16 3 bedrooms 5 8 7 0 3 23 4+ bedrooms 5 0 0 4 0 9 not stated 3 0 0 0 0 3 Total 35 8 7 7 6 63 Total 1,750 699 606 240 134 3,429 [Source ABS 2006 Census Table X29] (a) Includes up to three persons who were temporarily absent on Census Night. (b) Excludes 'Lone person', 'Group', 'Visitors only' and 'Other not classifiable' households. *includes bedsitters


Home Loan Repayments Bellingen Shire The median housing loan repayments per month for Bellingen Shire households was $1,015 compared with NSW; $1517. This represents 37% of the Bellingen Shire median household income.

Family Monthly Home Loan Repayment Trends

020406080

100120140160180200

$1-249

$250-399

$400-549

$550-749

$750-949

$950-1199

$1200-139

9

$1400-159

9

$1600-199

9

$2000-299

93000

+

Not stat

ed

No O

f Fam

ilies

199620012006

[Source ABS 2006 Census Time Series Table B33]

Loan Repayments by Planning Areas

020

4060

80100

120

$1-$2

49

$250

-$399

$400

-$549

$550

-$749

$750

-$949

$950

-$1,199

$1,20

0-$1,399

$1,40

0-$1,599

$1,60

0-$1,999

$2,00

0-$2,999

$3,00

0+

Not Stat

ed

Pers

ons


[Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B33] Future Housing Trends Future housing development in Bellingen LGA is likely to be of a type that is focused on urban and near urban locations, with significant growth in coastal locations. Near urban or rural residential housing development is expected to remain a significant component of the housing mix, as will a likely trend towards multi unit housing. However the demand for separate housing on urban residential lots is expected to remain the key housing choice.


Dwelling Growth Bellingen Shire (1996-2006)

Dwelling Type 1996 2001 2006 % change

96-01 % change

01-06 Detached House 3 881 4 078 4 384 5.1% 7.5% Semi, row, terrace, etc 104 124 75 19.2% -39.5% Flat, unit, apartment. 165 171 221 3.6% 29.2% Other Dwelling Caravan, cabin, houseboat 224 105 122 -53% 16% Improvised home, tent, sleep out 14 0 19 -100% 35.7% House or flat attached to shop, office,

35 32 33 -8.5% 3.1%

Total Other Dwelling 273 137 174 -49.8% 27% Dwelling structure not stated 68 96 0 41.1% -100% Total Occupied Private Dwellings 4,491 4,606 4,854 2.6% 5.4% [Source Bellingen Community Facilities and Open Space Section 94 Developer Contribution Plan 2008] The key trends over the period 1996–2006 as indicated in the table above are: • Over the 10 years 1996–2006 the total number of occupied dwellings in the

Bellingen LGA increased by 8.0% or 363 dwellings. • Development of flats, units and apartments has grown significantly in the period

2001–2006 • The growth of separate houses has remained steady with a slight increase in the

2001–2006 figures Internet Access 41% of the Shire’s private dwellings are not connected to the internet. 48.7% of Seaboard private residencies, 47.5% of the Plateau’s private dwellings and 32% of private residences in the Valley have no internet connection. This has implications for the effective promotion of services, public events, public notifications and the distribution of information to the community, which should not rely on the internet alone.

Bellingen Shire Internet Connection by Occupied Private Dwellings Shire % Seaboard % Valley % Plateau %

No connection 2,005 41.3 915 48.7 735 32.4 448 47.5

Broadband 1,306 26.9 477 25.4 656 28.9 187 19.8

Dial-up 1,385 28.5 381 20.3 748 33.0 275 29.2

Other 27 0.6 25 1.3 6 0.3 0 0.0

Total connections 2,718 56.0 883 47.0 1410 62.2 462 49.0

Not stated 130 2.7 80 4.3 123 5.4 33 3.5

Total 4,853 1878 2268 943 [Source ABS 2006 Census Table B35] (a) Where a dwelling has more than one type of Internet connection, only one is recorded.


3.8 Crime The number of recorded criminal incidents occurring in the Bellingen Shire has fallen from its highest level in 2002 at 733 incidents to 469 in 2007. Malicious damage to property remains the highest form of criminal offence at 140 recorded incidents in 2007. This, however, has fallen from 176 incidents in 2002. Breaking and entering a dwelling has decreased from 111 incidents in 1999 to 35 in 2007 while breaking and entering a non-dwelling fell from 130 incidents in 2003 to 51 in 2007. The number of Domestic violence incidents was highest in 2005 at 56 incidents falling to 36 in 2007 while the number of non-domestic incidents of violence has dropped from 71 in 2002 to 58 in 2007. Theft from dwellings fell from 86 incidents in 1998 to 49 incidents in 2007 and incidents of theft from motor vehicles fell from 96 in 1998 to 43 in 2007.

Criminal Incidents, Bellingen Shire 1998 – 2007 Offence 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Assault – Not domestic violence related

54 49 51 69 71 47 38 58 54 58

Assault - Domestic violence related

34 28 29 41 54 43 53 56 36 36

Sexual Offences 12 14 11 27 16 12 24 18 11 15 Robbery 4 5 3 1 0 4 3 0 0 0 Break and enter - dwelling

100 111 66 56 82 72 41 46 36 35

Break and enter - non-dwelling

86 88 81 57 94 130 77 85 50 51

Motor vehicle theft 27 17 21 23 36 39 38 14 16 21 Steal from motor vehicle

96 77 49 36 77 68 45 57 47 43

Steal from retail store 11 19 14 13 11 14 17 15 11 7 Steal from dwelling 86 60 45 63 58 69 38 62 39 49 Steal from person 0 0 0 0 4 3 2 1 0 2 Fraud 10 13 28 14 54 32 26 20 17 12 Malicious damage to property

169 162 109 126 176 159 127 138 136 140

Total 689 643 507 526 733 692 529 570 453 469 [Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research] All premises types by offence and year


NSW Recorded Crime Statistics For Bellingen Shire 2003–2007 (Table continues next page)

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Homicide Murder* 0 0 0 0 0 Attempted murder 0 0 0 0 0 Murder accessory, conspiracy 0 0 0 0 0 Manslaughter* 0 1 0 0 0 Driving causing death^ 1 1 0 0 0 Assault Domestic violence related 43 53 56 36 36 Non-domestic violence related 47 38 58 54 58 Sexual offences Sexual assault 6 7 9 7 5 Indecent assault, act of indecency 5 14 5 3 7 Other sexual offences 1 3 4 1 3 Abduction and kidnapping 0 0 0 0 1 Robbery Robbery without a weapon 3 0 0 0 0 Robbery with a firearm 0 2 0 0 0 Robbery with a weapon not a firearm 1 1 0 0 0 Blackmail and extortion 0 0 0 0 0 Harassment, threatening behaviour and private nuisance 25 46 30 40 43 Other offences against the person 0 1 0 0 1 Theft Break and enter - dwelling 72 41 46 36 35 Break and enter - non-dwelling 130 77 85 50 51 Receiving or handling stolen goods 2 4 9 3 6 Motor vehicle theft 39 38 14 16 21 Steal from motor vehicle 68 45 57 47 43 Steal from retail store 14 17 15 11 7 Steal from dwelling 69 38 62 39 49 Steal from person 3 2 1 0 2 Stock theft 5 4 2 0 1 Fraud 32 26 20 17 12 Other theft 88 79 75 56 54 Arson 13 4 6 8 4 Malicious damage to property 159 127 138 136 140 [Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research] * Number of recorded victims. ^ Number of legal actions commenced by the NSW Police Force, rather than the number of incidents recorded. Legal actions include infringement notices, court referrals, formal cautions under the Young Offenders Act and Youth Conference referrals. The driving offences reported will accord with those in the Australian Standard Offence Classification (ASOC).


NSW Recorded Crime Statistics for Bellingen Shire 2003–2007 (cont)

Drug offences Possession and/or use of cocaine 0 0 0 0 0 Possession and/or use of narcotics 0 0 1 0 0 Possession and/or use of cannabis 27 56 24 26 35 Possession and/or use of amphetamines 1 4 7 4 7 Possession and/or use of ecstacy 1 3 0 0 3 Possession and/or use of other drugs 1 0 0 1 1 Totals 30 63 32 31 46 Dealing, trafficking in cocaine 0 0 0 0 0 Dealing, trafficking in narcotics 0 0 0 0 0 Dealing, trafficking in cannabis 3 0 1 1 2 Dealing, trafficking in amphetamines 0 0 3 3 1 Dealing, trafficking in ecstasy 1 0 0 0 0 Dealing, trafficking in other drugs 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 4 0 4 4 3 Cultivating cannabis 15 18 15 4 17 Manufacture drug 0 1 0 0 0 Importing drugs 0 0 0 0 1 Other drug offences 8 8 5 10 8 Prohibited and regulated weapons offences 16 27 14 7 9 Disorderly conduct Trespass 33 16 9 24 32 Offensive conduct 5 4 10 6 10 Offensive language 14 8 13 6 14 Criminal intent 2 1 1 1 0 Betting and gaming offences 0 0 0 0 0 Liquor offences 55 14 11 41 33 Pornography offences 0 2 0 0 0 Prostitution offences 0 0 0 0 0 Against justice procedures Escape custody 1 1 1 1 0 Breach Apprehended Violence Order 18 29 27 30 22 Breach bail conditions 9 10 7 4 7 Fail to appear 0 0 0 0 1 Resist or hinder officer 15 10 8 4 15 Other offences against justice procedures 1 1 1 1 0 Driving offences^ Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs^ 6 2 1 0 5 Dangerous or negligent driving^ 64 62 54 56 50 Driving while licence cancelled or suspended^ 25 35 23 22 9 Driving without a licence^ 42 55 39 34 48 Driving licence offences, nec^ 66 63 57 38 50 Registration offences^ 84 119 96 98 80 Roadworthiness offences^ 2 3 1 0 1 Exceeding the prescribed content of alcohol limit^ 65 65 54 79 55 Exceeding legal speed limit^ 437 472 421 289 294 Parking offences^ 0 1 1 0 1 Other regulatory driving offences^ 166 215 178 162 149 Transport regulatory offences 0 0 0 1 1 Other offences 27 32 32 49 52 [Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research]


3.9 Health During the period of 2006 and 2007, Bellingen Shire residents spent a total of 5,075 separations in hospital. 13.7% of hospital admissions in the Bellingen Shire were due to injury or poisoning compared with 12.5% for the Mid North Coast and 11.6% for NSW. 11.8% of Shire hospital admissions were for diseases of the digestive system comparable to 11.1% for the Mid North Coast and 10.6% for NSW.

Hospital Separations By Category Of Cause, 2006-07

Cause of hospital separation (a)

Bellingen Shire (n)

% of hospital

separations Mid North Coast (n)

% of hospital

separations

NSW % of hospital

separations Injury and poisoning 696 13.7 9,028 12.5 11.6

Digestive system diseases 601 11.8 7,997 11.1 10.6

Factors influencing health 565 11.1 15,472 21.5 22.9

Symptoms and other ill defined conditions

514 10.1 4,476 6.2 6.1

Nervous system & sense organ disorders

432 8.5 4,791 6.6 5.7

Cardiovascular diseases 400 7.9 4,914 6.8 5.9

Respiratory diseases 279 5.5 3,612 5.0 4.4

Musculoskeletal & connective tissue diseases

265 5.2 3,353 4.6 4.5

Maternal, neonatal & congenital causes

246 4.8 4,199 5.8 8.2

Malignant neoplasms cancers

226 4.5 3,132 4.3 3.9

Genitourinary diseases 206 4.1 3,122 4.3 4.7

Other neoplasms 131 2.6 1,485 2.1 2.2

Mental and behavioural disorders

123 2.4 1,967 2.7 4.0

Skin & subcutaneous tissue diseases

116 2.3 1,053 1.5 1.4

Endocrine diseases 105 2.1 1,503 2.1 1.5

Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

86 1.7 995 1.4 1.4

Blood & immune system diseases

84 1.7 994 1.4 1.0

Other (incomplete records) 0 0.0 16 0.0 0.0

Totals 5,075 72,109 [Source: NSW Inpatient Statistics Collection (HOIST)]

(a) Hospital inpatient admittance

(n) Number of separations


Mortality Causes of death in the Bellingen Shire are comparable overall to the Mid North Coast and NSW. Cardiovascular disease is slightly lower in the Shire while cancer, digestive diseases, mental and behavioural disorders are slightly higher than the Mid North Coast and NSW.

Deaths By Category Of Cause, 2002 To 2006

Cause of death Bellingen Shire (n)

% of deaths

Mid North Coast (n)

%of deaths

NSW %of deaths

Cardiovascular diseases 202 34.30 2240 36.10 37.26

Malignant neoplasms (Cancers) 188 31.92 1920 30.94 28.23

Respiratory diseases 47 7.98 533 8.59 8.83

Injury and poisoning 35 5.94 318 5.12 5.32

Digestive system diseases 25 4.24 215 3.46 3.36

Mental and behavioural disorders 21 3.57 184 2.97 2.76

Nervous system and sense organ disorders

20 3.40 208 3.35 3.43

Genitourinary diseases 14 2.38 127 2.05 2.37

Endocrine diseases 13 2.21 173 2.79 3.08

Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

6 1.02 81 1.31 1.66

Blood and immune system diseases

5 0.85 26 0.42 0.37

Maternal, neonatal and congenital causes

5 0.85 47 0.76 0.87

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases

5 0.85 45 0.73 0.73

[Source: ABS mortality data (HOIST]

Births The fertility rate for the 40 + age group in Bellingen Shire is 5%. This is 2% higher than for the State and the Mid North Coast. The fertility rate for the 25 to 29 year age group in the Shire at 22%, is 5% lower than for the State and the Mid North Coast at 27%. In 2006, the ratio of children aged 0-4 to women aged 20-39 in the Shire was 0.6%. Births By Age Of Mother And Total Fertility Rate(a), 2006

Bellingen Shire

Percent (%)

Mid Nth Coast

Percent (%)

NSW Percent (%)

Under 20 5 4.2 118 6.8 2948 3.4

20–24 21 17.5 362 21.0 11566 13.2

25–29 26 21.7 471 27.3 23360 26.7

30–34 40 33.3 482 27.9 30148 34.5

35–39 22 18.3 240 13.9 16144 18.5

40 + 6 5.0 54 3.1 3170 3.6

Total 120 100.0 1727 100.0 87336 100.0

Fertility rate(a) 2.12 1.96 1.79 (a) The average total fertility rate (TFR) over the three years 2004 to 2006. The TFR is the sum of age-specific fertility rates (live births at each age of mother per female estimated resident population of that age) [Source: New South Wales Regional Statistics 2007 (cat. no. 1368.1) and Births Summary: Statistical Divisions - 2001–2006 (cat. no. 3301.0), ABS]


3.10 Transport Method of Travel to Work of Employed Persons Age 15+ One method: Males Females Persons Two methods: Males Females Persons

Train 5 0 5 Train and:

Bus 13 6 19 Bus 3 0 3

Ferry 3 0 3 Car, as driver 3 0 3

Taxi 4 0 4 Car, as passenger

0 0 0

Car, as driver 1265 1179 2444 Total 6 0 6

Car, as passenger

114 130 244 Bus and:

Truck 107 6 113 Car, as driver 0 0 0

Motorbike and scooter

52 5 57 Car, as passenger

3 5 8

Bicycle 26 10 36 Other 0 0 0

Other 20 9 29 Total 3 5 8

Walked only 150 172 322 Other two methods

14 11 25

Total one method

1759 1517 3276 Total two methods

23 16 39

[Source ABS Table 45]

Bellingen Shire Number of Motor Vehicles per Dwelling At the 2006 Census there were 4,486 occupied private dwellings in Bellingen Shire with a motor vehicle; 43% had one vehicle and 32% had 2 vehicles and 7.4 dwellings did not have a vehicle. Motor vehicles per dwelling:

Shire % Seaboard % Valley % Plateau %

None 370 7.4 176 9.3 147 6.5 45 4.7

1 vehicle 2,108 43.1

852 45.2 952 42.0 413 43.4

2 vehicles 1,619 32.3

589 31.3 739 32.6 308 32.4

3 vehicles 433 8.5

118 6.3 214 9.4 95 10.0

4 + vehicles 136 2.8

42 2.2 67 3.0 39 4.1

No not stated 190 5.9

107 5.7 147 6.5 51 5.4

Total 4,856 1884 2266 951

[Source ABS Table B29]


Transport Services

Local School Bus and Passenger Services

Week Days:

Bus Services operate on week days and public school holidays between Bellingen and Coffs Harbour via Park Beach Plaza, Park Ave, Coffs Education Campus, Toormina, Bonville and Urunga and between Mylestom and Coffs Harbour.

Buses to Coffs Harbour depart Bellingen at 7.50 am, 9.40 am and 3pm and return from Coffs Harbour at 1:45 (Park Beach Plaza). A later service departs from Coffs Harbour Park Ave at 3.45 pm, but only during the school term and public school holidays. A bus service also operates from Mylestom Hall to Coffs Harbour via Bonville and Toormina during the school week. Saturdays:

A bus service departs Urunga for Bellingen at 8.55am. A Bus links Mylestom, Bellingen and Urunga to Nambucca on Saturdays.

This bus timetable does not meet the needs of Bellingen Shire people who study out of school hour courses at TAFE and have no private transport. Community Transport:

Is a non profit community group with an office in the Old Council Chambers, Bellingen. The service mainly assists frail aged people, people with a disability and geographically isolated people.

Community Transport provides a range of transport services including:-

• a door to door shoppers bus between Bellingen, Urunga & Coffs Harbour on Thursdays

• an individual transport service across the Shire, volunteer drivers take transport disadvantaged passengers to health services and other appointments and activities

• subsidised in town taxi services for HACC passengers • assistance to non-profit community groups & children’s services with transport

needs A small wheelchair accessible bus is based in Bellingen. This is regularly used by the service for small group activities, and is also available to community groups at other times. Community cars are based in Dorrigo, Bellingen & Urunga and these are used to provide individual transport. The Dorrigo Community Bus service has been organised and subsidised by Community Transport since 1986 and provides a regular passenger service between Dorrigo and Coffs Harbour every Monday, with additional services on Thursdays in the school holidays. This service is provided on a contract with a private operator and is available to the general community. This service has been extended to offer a 'feeder' service from isolated rural areas during school holidays. Note: Community Transport's Dorrigo Community Bus service is only available to passengers travelling to and from Dorrigo. Bookings and enquires for Community Transport PH 6655 2666 Dorrigo Neighbourhood Bus:

Bellingen Shire Council operates a neighbourhood mini bus for Dorrigo through a Management Committee based at the Dorrigo Support Centre in Hickory St Dorrigo. Priority use of the bus is given to transport disadvantaged residents of the Dorrigo Plateau, particularly clients of the Dorrigo Support Centre and Dorrigo Youth Services.


Rail and Air Service:

One railway station at Urunga - limited connecting buses to the Shire. The nearest airport is at Coffs Harbour.

Lack of adequate public transport remains one of the biggest issues for the Bellingen Shire as it is for the rural North Coast of NSW. Without adequate transport people are unable to access services, employment, work training and tertiary education. The bus timetable current for Bellingen Shire at the time of publication of this profile for example, does not meet the needs of people without private transport who live in the Bellingen Shire and study out of school hour courses at TAFE and University at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus.


4. PRIORITY GROUPS 4.1 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island People Bellingen Shire is part of the traditional lands of the Gumbainggirr people whose tribal boundaries extend along the east coast of NSW from Scotts Head, south of Nambucca, to the north of Woolgoolga between Wooli and Red Rock and west across the Dorrigo Plateau escarpment close to Cootes Crossing. Population

Comparison of Indigenous Populations

0.00% 2.00% 4.00% 6.00% 8.00% 10.00%

Aust

NSW

Bellingen

Nambucca

Coffs

Kempsey

% of Total Populations

Comparison of Indigenous Populations Total

Population Non

Indigenous Indigenous Indigenous

not stated Indigenous % of Pop

Australia 19,855,288 18,266,834 455,016 1,133,438 2.30% NSW 6,549,179 6,019,399 138,504 391,276 2.10% Bellingen 12,417 11,588 320 509 2.60% Nambucca 17,897 15,949 1,025 923 5.70% Coffs 64,911 59,881 2,310 2,720 3.60% [Source ABS 2006 Table B01]

In the 2006 Census there were 320 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island (TSI) persons usually resident in Bellingen Indigenous Area, 50.9% were males and 49.1% were females. Aboriginal & TSI persons represent 2.6% of the total population, compared with 2.3% Aboriginal & TSI persons in Australia, 2.10% in NSW, 5.70% in Nambucca; and 3.60% in Coffs Harbour. 509 people in the Shire however, did not state their Aboriginality so the actual number of Aboriginal people living in the Shire could be more than double the stated population figure. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island People are acknowledged by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to be grossly undercounted. [Source; ABS Census 2006]


Of Bellingen Shire’s Indigenous population, 45% live in the Valley, 35% on the Seaboard and 20% on the Plateau.

Indigenous Population by Shire Planning Areas Seaboard Valley Plateau Indigenous Persons Persons Prop % Persons Prop % Persons Prop % Aboriginal 93 2.2 133 2.3 55 2.4 Torres Strait Islander 7 0.2 3 0.1 7 0.3 Both Aboriginal & TSI(b) 5 0.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 Total Indigenous Persons 105 2.5 136 2.3 62 2.7 % of Shire Indigenous Population

34.7 44.9 20.5

[Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B01] In the 2006 Census, English was stated as the only language spoken at home by 97.5% of Indigenous persons usually resident in Bellingen Indigenous Area. There were no responses for Indigenous languages. The median weekly income of Aboriginal individuals in the Bellingen Shire is $278 compared to non-Aboriginal individuals at $337 per week. The median weekly rent was $145 and the median monthly housing loan repayment was $1,083. The average household size was 3.0 and the average number of persons per bedroom was 1.2. There is also a dramatic difference in the median ages of the Aboriginal population of 19 years and non-Aboriginal population of 45 years arguably reflecting the difference in birth and life expectancy rates between the two groups and the comparative disadvantage experienced by the Aboriginal community as a whole.

Aboriginal/ TSI households Selected Characteristics

Aboriginal(a) Non-Aboriginal (b)

Median age of persons 19 45

Median individual income ($/weekly) 278 337

Median household income ($/weekly) 637 622

Median housing loan repayment ($/monthly) 1,083 1,013

Median rent ($/weekly) 145 165

Average number of persons per bedroom 1.2 1.1

Average household size 3.0 2.4

Australian Aboriginal Traditional Religion 4

Australian Indigenous Language 0

[Source ABS 2006 Census Table I01 and I04]

(a) A household with Indigenous person(s) is any household that had at least one person of any age as a resident at the time of the Census who identified as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin. (b) Includes persons who did not state their Indigenous status.


Age Distribution In the 2006 Census, 38.8% of the Aboriginal population usually resident in Bellingen Indigenous Area were Indigenous children aged between 0-14, 50% of Aboriginal people are under the age of 19 and 10% were aged 55 years and over. [Source ABS Quick stats] The number of persons who did not state whether or not they were of Aboriginal descent was higher than those who did. The number of people not declaring Aboriginal status rises with age.

Age Distribution of Bellingen Shire’s Aboriginal People

Aboriginal & TSI Age Groups

020406080

100120140160180

0-4 5-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65 +Age in Years

Pers

ons Male

FemalePersonsNot stated

Age Groups Aboriginal & TSI Status Not Stated Age In Years Male Female Persons Male Female Persons

0-4 15 16 31 16 12 28 5-14 46 46 92 51 34 85 15-24 29 34 63 30 20 50 25-44 32 30 62 51 43 94 45-64 37 21 58 76 77 153 65 + 3 11 14 49 49 98 total persons 162 158 320 273 235 508

[Source ABS 2006 Census Aboriginal Profile Table I 01]


Education In the 2006 Census, 13.8% of Indigenous persons aged 15-19 years who were usually resident in Bellingen Indigenous Area were in full-time education. 38.8% of Indigenous persons aged 15 years and over had a qualification. 33.2% of Indigenous persons aged 15 years and over had completed Year 10 or equivalent, and 23.0% had completed Year 12 or equivalent. [Source; ABS Census 2006]

Type of Educational Institution Attended by Aboriginal & TSI Persons Aboriginal

Persons Aboriginality Not Stated

Non Aboriginal Persons

Pre-school 9 3 195 Infants/Primary:

Government 53 24 746 Catholic 13 0 173 Other Non Government 3 0 165 Total Infants/Primary 69 24 1,084

Secondary: Government 44 17 716 Catholic 0 0 51 Other Non Govt 0 3 146 Total Secondary 44 20 913 Technical Institution(a) 15-24yr 3 110 25+ 6 148 Total Technical Institution 9 4 258 University 15-24yr 0 0 50 25+ 4 7 132 Total University 4 7 182

Other 0 0 73 Institute type not stated 16 327 545 Total 151 385 3,250 [Source ABS 2006 Census Aboriginal Profile Table I 10] (a) Includes 'Technical and Further Educational Institution (including TAFE colleges)'

Non-school Qualifications Persons Age 15+

Indigenous Aboriginality not stated

Males Females Persons Males Females Persons

Post Grad Degree 0 0 0 3 3 6

Grad Cert or Diploma 0 3 3 3 0 3

Bachelor Degree 0 4 4 0 0 0

Adv Diploma and Diploma 7 3 10 0 3 3

[Source ABS 2006 Census Aboriginal Profile Table I 27]


Employment During the week prior to the 2006 Census, 105 Indigenous people over the age of 15 residing in Bellingen Indigenous Area were in the labour force. Of these, 74.3% were employed and 25.7% were unemployed. There were 84 Indigenous people aged 15 years and over not in the labour force. The unemployment rate for Aboriginal persons is 28.6% compared to the Shire’s unemployment rate of 10.44%. Of the 75 employed Aboriginal persons usually resident in the Bellingen Shire at the time of the 2006 census, 60 were employed by the private sector, 10 by the State Government and 4 by Local Government.

Labour Force Status

Indigenous Aboriginality not stated

Males Females Persons Males Females Persons

Persons aged 15 102 95 197 208 188 396

In the labour force(a):

Employed 35 40 75 24 16 40

Unemployed 17 13 30 4 0 4

Total labour force 52 53 105 28 16 44

Not in the labour force 44 40 84 36 47 83

status not stated 3 3 6 147 124 271

% Unemployment(b) 32.7 24.5 28.6 14.3 0.0 9.1

% Labour force participation(c) 52.5 55.2 53.8 13.3 8.6 11.1

% Employment to pop(d) 35.4 41.7 38.5 11.4 8.6 10.1

Industry sector(a):

Government 7 11 18 0 0 0

Private 29 31 60 23 12 35

CDEP participants(e) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Self employed(f) 5 0 5 3 4 7

[Source ABS 2006 Census Aboriginal Profile Table I 27] Migration: Indigenous Aboriginality not stated Males Females Persons Males Females Persons

Same address 1 year ago(g) 135 110 245 83 82 165 Different address 1 year ago(g) 20 37 57 14 13 27 Same address 5 years ago(h) 80 68 148 57 61 118 Different address 5 years ago(h) 56 64 120 23 25 48 (a) Applicable to persons aged 15 years and over. (b) The number of unemployed persons expressed as a percentage of the total labour force. (c) The number of persons in the labour force expressed as a percentage of persons aged 15 years and over. (d) The number of employed persons expressed as a percentage of persons aged 15 years and over. (e) Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) participants are counted as employed persons. CDEP

participation is only identified on the Interviewer Household Form. These forms are designed specifically for use in discrete Indigenous communities. Applicable to persons aged 15 years and over

(f) Comprises owner managers of unincorporated enterprises with nil employees. Applicable to persons 15 years and over. (g) Excludes persons less than 1 year of age (h) Excludes persons less than 5 years of age.


Occupation

Occupation of Aboriginal People in Bellingen Shire Occupation Aboriginal Persons Aboriginality not stated

Males Females Persons Males Females Persons Managers 5 0 5 3 3 6 Professionals 12 0 12 3 5 8 Technicians and trades workers

13 0 13 0 0 0

Community and personal service workers

0 13 13 0 4 4

Clerical and administrative workers

0 9 9 0 0 0

Sales workers 0 10 10 3 0 3 Machinery operators and drivers

0 0 0 8 0 8

Labourers 8 7 15 6 0 6 Inadequately described/Not stated

0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 38 39 77 23 12 35 [Source ABS 2006 Census Aboriginal Profile Table I33] Income In the Bellingen Indigenous Area the median weekly individual income for Indigenous persons aged 15 years and over was $278 compared to the median individual income of $336 for non Indigenous persons. The median income of households with Aboriginal persons was $637 compared to the median income of $622 of non Indigenous households.

Aboriginal Persons: Income

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Negative/Nil income

$1-$149

$150-$249

$250-$399

$400-$599

$600-$799

$800-$999

$1,000 or more

All incomes not stated(d)

Partial income stated(c)

NumbersPersons Household

[Source ABS 2006 Census Aboriginal Profile TableI12 and I 25]


Income of Bellingen Shire Aboriginal People

Income Male Female Persons Household

Negative/Nil income 10 8 18 3

$1-$149 15 7 22 7

$150-$249 20 22 42 11

$250-$399 10 21 31 12

$400-$599 13 20 33 4

$600-$799 11 0 11 30

$800-$999 9 0 9 10

$1,000 or more 7 6 13 46

income not stated(d) 8 11 19 7

Partial income stated(c) 13

Total 103 95 198 143 [Source ABS 2006 Census Aboriginal Profile TableI12 and I 25]

Housing In the 2006 Census, there were 139 dwellings with Indigenous persons in Bellingen Indigenous Area. 19.1% of these dwellings were fully owned, 27.7% were being purchased and 51.1% were rented.

Households With Indigenous Person/s (f) Tenure Type by Occupied Private Dwelling(a)

House Flat or unit

Caravan or cabin

Other dwelling

Total

Fully owned 26 0 3 0 29 Being purchased(b) 35 0 3 0 38 Rented: Real estate agent 23 0 0 3 26 State housing authority 10 0 0 0 10 Person not in same household(b) 22 0 0 0 22 Other landlord type(c) 0 6 3 0 9 Total Rented 55 6 3 0 67 Tenure type not stated 5 0 0 0 5 Total 121 6 9 3 139 [Source ABS 2006 Census Aboriginal Profile TableI18] (a) Excludes 'Visitors only' and 'Other not classifiable' households. (b) Includes dwellings being purchased under a rent/buy scheme. (c) Comprises dwellings being rented from a parent/other relative or other person. (f) A household with Indigenous person(s) is any household that had at least one person of any age as a

resident at the time of the Census who identified as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin.


Disability At the 2006 Census, 10 Aboriginal persons needed assistance to carry out core activities of self-care, mobility or communication due to a severe disability, long-term illness or old age. 18 persons did not state their need for assistance. In the two weeks prior to the 2006 Census, 34 Aboriginal people living in the Bellingen local government area provided unpaid care, help or assistance to a family member or others because of a disability, a long term illness or problems related to old age.

Unpaid Assistance To Persons with a Disability

0 10 20 30 40 50

15-19 yrs

20-24 yrs

25-34 yrs

35-44 yrs

45-54 yrs

55-64 yrs

65 ys+

Age o

f Pro

vider

No of Persons Assisted

Unpaid assistance Total

Unpaid assistance notstatedNo unpaid assistanceprovidedProvided unpaidassistance

[Source ABS 2006 Census Table I16] Unpaid Child Care In the two weeks prior to Census night 2006, 87 Aboriginal people spent time looking after a child or children without pay.

Unpaid Child Care Category Age of provider

own child/children

other child/children

own & other child/children

Total none provided

not stated

Total

15-19 yrs 6 8 3 17 13 14 44 20-24 yrs 0 10 0 10 13 0 23 25-34 yrs 7 6 0 13 12 0 25 35-44 yrs 22 0 3 25 14 0 39 45-54 yrs 10 4 4 18 18 0 36 55-64 yrs 4 0 0 4 15 0 19 65 yrs + 0 0 0 0 12 0 12 Total 49 28 10 87 97 14 198 [Source ABS 2006 Census Table I17]


4.2 Children aged 0-14 Population Distribution There are 2,532 children under the age of 15 years residing in the Bellingen Shire representing 20% of the Shire’s population. Of these, 11% of the Shire’s children live in the Valley, 6% live on the Seaboard, and 4% live on the Plateau,

No of Children by Area

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

Shire Seaboard Valley Plateau

Numb

ers

0-4 years5-14 yearsTotal

Children as a Proportional % of Shire Population Shire Seaboard % age Valley % age Plateau % age Age Prop % group Prop % group Prop % group 0-4 years 5.1 1.37 27.1 2.91 57.3 0.90 17.7 5-14 years 15.3 4.31 28.3 8.10 53.1 2.80 18.4 Totals 20.3 5.69 11.01 3.70 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B01] Visitors included

The proportion of children as a percentage of planning area populations is relatively consistent across the 3 planning areas though it is slightly higher for both age groups in the Valley and slightly lower on the Seaboard.

Children as a Proportional % of Planning Area Populations Shire Seaboard Valley Plateau

Age Persons Prop % Persons Prop % Persons Prop % Persons Prop %

0-4 years 632 5.1 171 4.0 362 6.2 112 4.9 5-14 years 1,900 15.3 537 12.6 1,008 17.1 349 15.2 Total 2,532 20.3 708 16.6 1,370 23.3 461 20.1 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B01] Visitors included


Age Trends of Children The number of children aged 0-14 in the Bellingen Shire has decreased by 18.5% over the last decade. The Shire’s population of 0-4 year olds has fallen by 24%; 5-9 year olds by 20% and 10-14 year olds by 13%. The 0-4 age group has fallen by 32% on the Seaboard, 31% on the Plateau, 17% in the Valley.

Bellingen Shire Trends 0-14 Year Age Group Change % Change Age 1996 2001 2006 1996-2006 1996-2006 0-4 833 716 629 -204 -24.5 5-9 1,102 963 881 -221 -20.1 10-14 1,138 1,098 993 -145 -12.7 totals 3,073 2,777 2,503 -570 18.5 Seaboard 0-4 252 230 172 -80 -31.7 5-9 329 310 252 -77 -23.4 10-14 321 331 293 -28 -8.7 totals 902 871 717 -185 -20.51 Valley 0-4 430 348 356 -74 -17.21 5-9 581 501 467 -114 -19.62 10-14 554 616 535 -19 -3.43 totals 1,565 1,465 1,358 -207 -13.23 Plateau 0-4 162 129 112 -50 -30.86 5-9 209 150 182 -27 -12.92 10-14 247 182 180 -67 -27.13 totals 618 461 474 -144 -23.30 [Source ABS 2006 Census Cat 20680 Time Series Tables]

Families with Children Under 15 Years 1,342 (39%) of Bellingen Shire’s 3,463 families have children under the age of 15 comparable with NSW 40%. Of these, 925 (27%) are couple families with children under 15 and 417 (12%) are single parent families with children under 15.

Bellingen Shire Family Composition

Shire Prop % % of Pop NSW Prop % % of Pop

Couple + children under 15 925 26.7 7.4 31.4 8.2

One parent family + children under 15

417 12.0 3.4 8.7 2.3

Total families with children under 15

1,342 38.8 10.8 40.0 10.5

[Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Tables B24]


Families Distribution by Planning Areas 21% of the Shire’s 1,342 families with children under 15 live in the Valley, 10% on the Seaboard and 7% on the Plateau. Of the Shire’s single parent families with children under 15, 7% reside in the Valley, 4% on the Seaboard and 2% on the Plateau

Family Composition by Planning Areas

0100200300400500600700800

Couple + childrenunder 15

One parentfamily +childrenunder 15

Totalfamiles with

childrenunder 15

TotalCouplesFamilies

withChildren

Total SingleParentfamilies

No o

f Fam

ilies


*Planning Area Family Composition

Seaboard Prop % Valley Prop % Plateau Prop %

Couple + children under 15

252 7.3 496 14.3 184 5.3

One parent family + children under 15

126 3.6 239 6.9 52 1.5

Total families with children under 15

378 10.9 735 21.2 236 6.8

Total Families 1,191 1,619 651

[Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Tables B24] * As a % of Shire Families


Family Income In 2006, the median weekly family income was $781 for the Bellingen Shire. 37.5% of family households earned less than $650 per week and 20% earned less than $500 per week. The poverty line, for a family of four in June 2006, was indexed at $626.32 per week. Significantly, 16% of couples with children, and 61% of single parent families in the Bellingen LGA earned less than $650 per week. [Source: Bellingen Shire S94 Developer Contributions Plan 2008]


050

100150200250300350

Neg/Nil in

c$1-$

149

$150-$249

$250-$349

$350-$499

$500-$649

$650-$799

$800-$999

$1,000-$

1,199

$1,200-$

1,399

$1,400-$

1,699

$1,700-$

1,999

$2,000-$

2,499

$2,500 -$

2,999

$3,000 o

r more

No

of F

amili

es

Couple no children couple with children One parent Other


Couple no children

couple with children

Single parent

Other Total

Neg/Nil inc 21 6 3 0 30 $1-$149 32 0 11 0 43 $150-$249 11 7 40 0 58 $250-$349 15 16 119 0 150 $350-$499 331 55 34 4 424 $500-$649 253 133 198 12 596 $650-$799 84 93 52 4 233 $800-$999 91 130 31 9 261 $1,000-$1,199 216 186 35 0 437 $1,200-$1,399 84 118 11 0 213 $1,400-$1,699 60 121 15 4 200 $1,700-$1,999 51 82 6 0 139 $2,000-$2,499 65 65 4 0 134 $2,500 -$2,999 24 27 3 0 54 $3,000 or more 24 15 0 0 39 Partial inc stated(c) 101 204 77 3 385 All inc not stated(d) 27 16 21 4 68 Total 1,490 1,274 660 40 3,464 [Source ABS CASA 2006 Table B26] NB Includes families with children over 15yrs


Education In 2006, a total of 1,210 children attended preschools and primary schools. The number of children in preschools across the Shire was 216 representing 76% of 3-4 years olds. 70% of the Shire’s primary school children attended a government primary school. 14% primary school children attended a non-government school other than a Catholic school compared to 10% in NSW.

Attendance at an Educational Institution Bellingen Shire NSW Persons % of Pop

(a) % of Sub Group (b)

% of Pop % of Sub Group

Pre School (age 3-4 yrs) 216 1.7 17.9 1.7 20.8 Government Primary 851 6.9 70.3 5.7 68.7 Catholic Primary 185 1.5 15.3 1.7 20.9 Other Non Govt Primary 174 1.4 14.4 0.9 10.4 Total Infants/Primary 1,210 9.7 100.0 8.4 100.0 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Tables B14] (a) % of all persons attending an Educational Institution (b)% of all Infants/primary school children

Attendance at an Educational Institution by Planning Areas Shire Persons Prop % % sub group Pre School 216 5.7 17.9 Government Primary 851 22.5 70.3 Catholic Primary 185 4.9 15.3 Other Non Govt Primary 174 4.6 14.4 Total Infants/Primary 1,210 31.9 100.0 Seaboard Pre School 68 6.0 Government Primary 291 25.6 92.4 Catholic Primary 7 0.6 2.2 Other Non Govt Primary 17 1.5 5.4 Total Infants/Primary 315 27.7 100.0 Valley Pre School 114 5.7 Government Primary 383 19.1 59.3 Catholic Primary 116 5.8 18.0 Other Non Govt Primary 147 7.3 22.8 Total Infants/Primary 646 32.3 100.0 Plateau Pre School 43 6.7 Government Primary 179 27.9 72.5 Catholic Primary 68 10.6 27.5 Other Non Govt Primary 0 0.0 0.0 Total Infants/Primary 247 38.5 100.0 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Tables B14]


4.3. Young People aged 15-24 Years At the 2006 census, 1,162 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 were enumerated in the Bellingen Shire representing 9.3% of the Shire’s population. Of this age group, 4.6% (575) live in the Bellinger Valley, 3% live on the Urunga Seaboard and 1.6% lives on the Dorrigo Plateau. Population Distribution of Young People

Distrubutions of Shire's Young People

Plateau, 17% Seaboard ,

33%

Valley, 50%

Young People as a % of the Shire Population Shire Seaboard Valley Plateau Age Persons % of Pop % of Pop % of Pop % of Pop 15-19 825 6.6 1.8 3.3 1.1 20-24 379 3.0 1.2 1.4 0.5 Totals 1,162 9.3 3.0 4.6 1.6 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B01] visitors included

Young People as a Proportional % of Planning Area Populations 49% of Bellingen Shire’s young people aged 15 -24 reside in the Valley while 32% live on the Seaboard and 17% on the Plateau.

Young People as a Proportional % of Area Populations Age Seaboard Prop % Valley Prop % Plateau Prop % 15-19 229 5.4 407 6.9 136 5.9 20-24 149 3.5 169 2.9 66 2.9 Total 378 8.8 576 9.8 202 8.8 Area Pop 4,274 32.5 5,879 49.6 2,292 17.38 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B01] visitors included]


Age Trends for Young People The number of young people between the ages of 15 and 19 residing in the Bellingen Shire at the 2006 census has increased by 15% over the last 10 years whereas the age group of 20 – 24 yr olds has decreased by 10% over the same period. The population of 15-19 year olds has increased by 19% in the Valley and 17% in the Seaboard but has fallen by 3% on the Plateau over a decade. The population of 20 -24 year olds has increased by 5% on the Seaboard but has fallen by 38% on the Plateau and 12% in the Valley.

Age Trends 1996 - 2006

-50.0

-40.0

-30.0

-20.0

-10.0

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0


% o

f Cha

nge

15-19 Yrs 20-24 Yrs

Bellingen Shire Age Group Trends

Age Change %Change

Shire 1996 2001 2006 1996-2006 1996-2006

15-19 716 796 825 109 15.2

20-24 430 328 386 -44 -10.2

Seaboard

15-19 195 257 228 33 16.9

20-24 130 99 137 7 5.4

sub total 325 356 365 40 12.31

Valley

15-19 328 390 390 62 18.9

20-24 202 159 178 - 24 -11.9

sub total 530 549 568 38 7.2

Plateau

15-19 144 151 140 -4 -2.8

20-24 94 65 58 -36 -38.3

sub total 238 216 198 -40 -16.8 [Source ABS 2006 Census Time Series Cat 20680] visitors included


Marital Status In the 2006 census, 82% of 15-24 year olds in the Bellingen Shire were unmarried, 8% were in a de facto relationship and 1% registered as married.

Marital Status of Young People Registered Marriage de facto Marriage Not Married Age Persons % of age Persons % of age Persons % of age 15-19 years 3 0.4 13 1.8 707 97.8 20-24 years 13 3.8 82 24.1 245 72.1 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B06]

Education In the 2006 census, 81% of the Shire’s young people aged 15-24 were secondary school students, 65% attended a government high school and 11% attended a tertiary institution.

Educational Institution Attendance of Young People

Secondary Persons Prop % % 15-24 yr olds

Government 756 20.0 65.1

Catholic 52 1.4 4.5

Other Non govt 135 3.6 11.6

Total Secondary 943 24.9 81.2

TAFE full time 35 0.9 3.0

TAFE part time 68 1.8 5.9

Uni full time 28 0.7 2.4

[Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B14]

Young Persons Qualifications


Postgraduate Degree 0 0 0 0

Grad’ Diploma and Grad’ Certificate 0 0 0 0

Bachelor Degree 17 0 3 0

Advanced Diploma and Diploma 26 7 15 0

Certificate 138 51 72 20

Level of Ed inadequately described 9 4 9 0

Level of Ed not stated 114 34 58 13

Total Persons 304 96 157 33

[Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B37] excl OS Visitors


Fields of Study The chosen field of study for the majority of the Shire’s young males is related to Engineering Technologies and Agriculture, and Environmental and related studies while the chosen field of study for the majority of young women is Management & Commerce, and Society & Culture. The Shire’s young men and young women are equally engaged in studies relating to the Hospitality, Food & Personalised Services Industry.

Fields of Study, 15-24 year olds Male Female Persons Natural and Physical Sciences 3 0 3 Information Technology 9 4 13 Engineering and Related Technologies 23 0 23 Architecture and Building 7 0 7 Agriculture, Environmental & Related Studies 15 3 18 Health 3 6 9 Education 0 4 4 Management and Commerce 4 31 35 Society and Culture 4 18 22 Creative Arts 0 7 7 Food, Hospitality and Personal Services 17 21 38 Mixed Field Programmes 0 0 0 Field of Study inadequately described 3 4 7 Not stated 67 50 117 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B38]

Income 26% (307) of the Shire’s young people have no income and are presumably attending an educational institution and/or financially dependant on their parents. 23% (271) have a weekly income below $150 per week, and 23% have a weekly income of between $150 and $399. 31% (360) of the Shire’s young people are receiving the Centrelink youth allowance. Of these, 193 live in the Valley, 91 live on the Seaboard and 76 live on the Plateau.

Young Person’s Income by Age and Gender Shire Male Female

Age 15-19 20-24 15-19 20-24 15-19 20-24 Neg income 287 20 149 12 138 8 $1-$149 237 34 108 20 129 14 $150-$249 70 84 29 43 41 41 $250-$399 54 64 29 28 25 36 $400-$599 32 104 26 59 6 45 $600-$799 4 34 4 19 0 15 $800-$999 0 13 0 8 0 5 $1000-$1299 0 3 0 0 0 0 $1300-$1599 0 3 0 0 0 0 Not stated 89 21 46 10 43 11 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B16


Income by Planning Areas 15-24 Year Olds

0 50 100 150 200 250

Neg income

$1-$149

$150-$249

$250-$399

$400-$599

$600-$799

$800-$999

$1000-$1299

$1300-$1599

Youth Allowance

Not stated

Persons

PlateauValleySeaboard


Weekly Income of Young People aged 15-24 yrs.

Seaboard Valley Plateau Shire Prop %

Neg income 76 168 53 307 26.4

$1-$149 101 109 51 271 23.3

$150-$249 50 65 30 154 13.3

$250-$399 43 60 13 118 10.2

$400-$599 28 78 16 136 11.7

$600-$799 0 16 0 38 3.3

$800-$999 0 9 5 13 1.1

$1000-$1299 0 3 0 3 0.3

$1300-$1599 0 0 3 3 0.3

Youth Allowance 91 193 76 360 31.0

Not stated 28 50 21 110 9.5



Employment 466 of the Shire’s 1,162 young persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years are in full or part time employment in the 2006 census. The participation rate for 15-19 year olds is 36% and 80% for the 20-24 year age group. The unemployment rate for 15-19 year olds is 21% and 17% for 20-24 year olds.

Bellingen Shire Labour Force 15-24 Year Olds Male Female Persons

Age 15-19 20-24 15-19 20-24 15-19 20-24 Labour Force Status

Employed Full-time(a) 46 88 18 37 64 125 Employed Part-time 58 34 88 47 146 81 away from work(b) 3 6 7 9 10 15 Hours not stated 10 4 3 8 13 12 Total (employed) 117 132 116 101 233 233 Unemployed, looking for: Full time work 19 26 15 11 34 37 Part time work 7 5 21 6 28 11 Total (unemployed) 26 31 36 17 62 48 Total labour force 143 163 152 118 295 281 Not in the labour force 231 32 210 48 441 80 Labour force status not stated 19 7 15 7 34 14 Total 393 202 377 173 770 375 Participation rate 36.4 80.7 40.3 68.2 38.3 74.9 Unemployment rate 18.2 19.0 23.7 14.4 21.0 17.1 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B39] Young Carers Unpaid Assistance In the two weeks prior to the 2006 census, 77 young people provided unpaid assistance to a person or family member with a disability. 135 young people did not state whether or not they provided unpaid care to a person with a disability.

Provision of Unpaid Assistance to A Person with Disabilities (a) Age of Carer Assistance provided Assistance not stated Totals 15-19 yrs 46 106 152 20-24 yrs 31 29 60 Total 77 135 (a) The 'Unpaid Assistance to a Person with a Disability' variable records people who, in the two weeks prior

to Census Night, spent time providing unpaid care, help or assistance to family members or others because of a disability, a long term illness or problems related to old age.


4.4 Seniors aged 55+ At the time of the 2006 Census, 4,113 persons counted in the Bellingen Shire were over the age of 55 representing 33% of Bellingen Shire's total population. Of these, 14% were counted on the Urunga Seaboard, 12% in the Bellinger Valley and 6% on the Dorrigo Plateau.

Seniors as a % of the Shire Population Shire Seaboard Valley Plateau Age Persons % of Pop Prop % (a) 55-64 1,746 14.0 16.4 17.8 8.3 65-74 1,304 10.5 15.7 10.2 5.6 75-84 783 6.3 9.4 6.3 3.5 85 + 280 2.2 2.5 2.8 1.8 Totals 33.0 44.0 37.0 19.3 Total seniors 4,113 1,784 1,525 792 Total area pop 12,455 (b) 4,277 5,870 2,293 [Source: ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B01] (a) percentage of shire age group population (b) includes visitors

Of the Shire’s population over the age of 55, 44% were counted on the Urunga Seaboard, 37% in the Bellinger Valley and 19% on the Dorrigo Plateau.

Distribution of Shire Population Age 55+

44% 37%

19%



Age Distribution by Planning Areas 41.7% (1,784 persons) of the Seaboard's total population is over the age of 55 compared with the Valley, 25.9% (1,525 persons) and the Plateau, 34.6% (792 persons).

Seniors by Planning Area

0100200300400500600700800

55-64 65-74 75-84 85 +

Age

Pers

ons


[Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B01] includes visitors]

Seniors Aged 55 + as a Proportional % of the Area Populations


Age Persons Prop % Persons Prop % Persons Prop %

55-64 666 15.6 732 12.5 341 14.9

65-74 647 15.1 420 7.1 230 10.0

75-84 373 8.7 259 4.4 145 6.3

85 + 98 2.3 114 1.9 76 3.3

Total seniors 1,784 41.7 1,525 25.9 792 34.6

Total area pop 4,277 5,870 2,293 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B01] includes visitors]


Bellingen Shire Age Trends of Older People The number of people over 55 residing in Bellingen Shire at the 2006 census has increased by 28% overall since 1996, the greatest increase being 40% in the 55 – 64 year old age group which is probably due to the influx of sea-changers and retirees.

Senior Age Trends

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85 +

Age Groups

No o

f Per

sons

200620011996

Bellingen Shire Senior Age Group Trends Shire 1996 2001 2006 Change % change 55-59 636 703 923 287 45.1 60-64 607 649 814 207 34.1 65-69 636 585 683 47 7.4 70-74 496 541 544 48 9.7 75-79 344 402 449 105 30.5 80-84 235 259 311 76 32.3 85 + 166 200 281 115 69.3 Total 3,120 3,339 4,005 885 28.4 [Source ABS 2006 Census Cat 20680 Time Series Tables] excludes visitors]

There has been a significant increase of 46% in the number of persons over the age of 55 in the Valley population over the past decade. Although 41% of the Seaboard population is of this age group, numbers have increased by only 14%. The number of people over 55 on the Plateau has increased by 35%.

Senior Age Trends by Planning Area 2006 Seaboard Valley Plateau Persons % Change (a) Persons % Change Persons % Change

55-59 326 19.4 400 75.4 173 29.1 60-64 335 5.0 334 71.3 171 62.9 65-69 351 -1.1 237 18.5 137 29.2 70-74 300 2.4 180 30.4 87 -3.3 75+ 474 45.8 389 31.9 217 46.6 Totals 1,786 14.0 1,540 46.0 785 35.0 [Source: Comparison Program ABS 2006 Census CASA Table 4] (a) % change since 1996


Senior’s Household Relationships There are 840 people over the age of 55 living alone in the Bellingen Shire. 2,300 seniors are part of a couple’s household; 31 live with a non dependant child and 105 are part of a group household.

Senior’s Household Relationships Age 55-64 65-74 75-84 85 + Totals

Partner in registered marriage 963 742 352 66 2,123 Partner in de facto marriage(b) 130 40 4 3 177 Lone Parent 45 33 24 18 120 Non-dependent child 28 3 0 0 31 Other related individual 19 29 45 13 106 Unrelated individual 7 3 6 0 16 Group household member 47 37 15 6 105 Lone persons 302 226 227 85 840 Not Stated 125 118 51 10 304 Overseas Visitors 5 11 0 3 19 Total (a) 1,671 1242 724 204 3,841 [Source: ABS 2006 Census Table B22] (a) Excludes persons in 'Other non-classifiable' households (b) Includes same sex couples Senior’s Tertiary Qualifications 1,295 people over 55 years of age hold a tertiary qualification. 622 have a Tertiary Certificate, 287 have a Bachelor Degree, 271 have an Advanced Diploma, 69 have a Postgraduate Degree and 46 have a Graduate Diploma.

Senior’s Tertiary Qualifications Age 55-64 65-74 75-84 85 + Totals Postgraduate Degree 38 23 8 0 69 Graduate Diploma and Certificate 33 10 3 0 46 Bachelor Degree 178 63 36 10 287 Advanced Diploma/Cert 143 96 32 0 271 Certificate 311 201 91 19 622 Level of education inadequately described 51 29 16 0 96 Level of education not stated 160 175 182 101 618 Total 914 597 368 130 2,009 [Source ABS 2006 CASAS Census Table B37]


Senior’s Income The average weekly income of Bellingen Shire individuals over the age of 55 decreases from $472 for 55-64 year olds to $327 for persons over the age of 85.

Seniors Weekly Individual Income Age 55-64 65-74 75-84 85 + Totals Nil/negative income 113 29 12 8 162 $1-$149 85 61 30 9 185 $150-$249 455 489 279 82 1,305 $250-$399 295 344 230 60 929 $400-$599 265 175 84 25 549 $600-$799 165 56 32 6 259 $800-$999 75 30 11 6 122 $1000-$1299 97 20 12 0 129 $1300-$1599 43 9 7 0 59 $1600-$1999 21 8 0 0 29 $2000 or more 22 7 4 3 36 Income not stated 104 69 83 79 335 Total 1,740 1,297 784 278 4,099 Average Weekly Income 472 352 343 327 [Source ABS 2006 Census Table B16] excludes visitors

40% of people over 55 years of age (1,652 persons) have a weekly income of less than $250.

Bellingen Shire Seniors Weekly Income

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

No inco

me

$1-$1

49

$150

-$249

$250

-$399

$400

-$599

$600

-$799

$800

-$999

$100

0-$12

99

$130

0-$15

99

$160

0-$19

99

$200

0 or m

ore

Inc no

t stat

ed

Pers

ons

55-64 65-74 75-84 85 years

[Source ABS 2006 Census Table B16] excludes visitors


Employment At the 2006 Census, there were 870 persons over the age of 55 years in the labour force. The participation rate of persons between the ages of 55-64 in the Bellingen Shire is 44%. This decreases to 11% as people reach 65 and retire from the work force and 3.6% for persons over 75. The unemployment rate is 9.7% for 55 -64 year olds and 3.9% for those aged 65 – 74.

Labour Force Status of Seniors Age 55-64 65-74 75-84 85 years Employed: Full time 372 71 15 0

Part-time 265 63 5 0 Away from home 36 10 0 0 Hours not stated 19 3 8 3 Total (employed) 692 147 28 3 Unemployed, looking for:

Full time work 59 3 0 0 Part time work 15 3 0 0

Total (unemployed) 74 6 0 0 Total labour force 766 153 28 3 Not in the labour force 901 1081 661 215 Status not stated 69 61 94 66 Total (persons 15+) 1,736 1,295 783 284 Participation rate 44.1 11.8 3.6 1.1 Unemployment rate 9.7 3.9 0.0 0.0 [Source ABS 2006 Census Table B41b]


Unpaid Assistance Provided by Older People 1,228 persons over the age of 55 provided assistance to a person with a disability, long term illness or problems related to old age.

Unpaid Assistance Provided by Seniors

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

55-64 yrs 65-74 yrs 75-84 yrs 85 yrs +Age of Carer

Pers

ons

Provided unpaid assistance Unpaid assistance not stated

[Source ABS CASAS 2006 Census Table B20]

Unpaid Assistance Given by Seniors to a Person with a disability (a)

Age of Carer Provided assistance Assistance not stated Totals 55-64 yrs 305 106 411 65-74 yrs 135 144 279 75-84 yrs 45 177 222 85 yrs + 11 86 97 Total 496 513 1,009

[Source ABS CASAS 2006 Census Table B20] (a) The 'Unpaid Assistance to a Person with a Disability' variable records people who, in the two weeks

prior to Census Night, spent time providing unpaid care, help or assistance to family members or others because of a disability , long term illness or problems related to old age.

Unpaid Childcare provided by Older People 486 persons over the age of 55 provided unpaid child care in the Bellingen Shire. Of these 348 were women and 138 were men.

Unpaid Childcare by Age and Gender Male Female Male Female Male Female Age Own Child only Other child only Own & other child 55-64 40 53 42 149 0 3 65-74 7 10 33 103 0 0 75-84 0 3 16 27 0 0 85 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 47 66 91 279 0 3 [Source ABS CASAS 2006 Census Table B21]


4.5 People with a Disability At the 2006 census, there were 614 persons counted in Bellingen Shire in need of some form of assistance to perform core activities due to a profound disability or old age. Of these, 311 were males and 303 were females. 510 persons did not state whether or not they had need of assistance. There were 105 males and 61 females between the ages of 45 and 65 with a severe disability and 158 females and 100 males over the age of 75 in need of assistance.

Bellingen Shire Persons with a Disability

Number of Persons

Male 5 18 7 3 15 15 48 57 43 55 45

Female 5 7 10 0 7 24 26 35 31 78 80

0-4yr 5-14yr 15-19yr 20-24yr 25-34yr 35-44yr 45-54yr 55-64yr 65-74yr 75-84yr 85 yr+

Bellingen Shire Core Activity Need for Assistance

Age Need Need not stated No need Persons

0-4 10 31 591 632

5-14 25 93 1,773 1,891

15-19 17 31 723 771

20-24 3 16 356 375

25-34 22 36 795 853

35-44 39 52 1,557 1,648

45-54 74 71 1,978 2,123

55-64 92 72 1,573 1,737

65-74 74 39 1,180 1,293

75-84 133 52 597 782

85 + 125 17 140 282

Total 614 510 11,263 12,387 [Source ABS CASAS 2006 Census Table B17]

The 'Core Activity Need for Assistance' variable has been developed to measure the number of people with a profound or severe disability. People with a profound or severe disability are defined as needing help or assistance in one or more of the three core activity areas of self-care, mobility and communication because of a disability, long term health condition (lasting six months or more), or old age.


Core Activity Need for Assistance by Planning Areas At the time of the 2006 Census, there were 232 persons with a severe disability counted on the Seaboard, 284 counted in the Valley and 104 on the Plateau. 125 persons on the Seaboard, 290 in the Valley and 73 on the Plateau did not state their need for assistance with core activities due to a severe disability.

Core Activity Need for Assistance by Planning Areas Need No Need Not stated Persons

Seaboard

0-14 7 673 24 704

15-24 6 362 17 385

25-54 39 1,325 37 1,401

55-75 94 1,183 26 1,303

75+ 86 354 21 461

Total 232 3,897 125 4,254

Valley

0-14 28 1,271 63 1362

15-24 13 528 31 572

25-54 51 2,226 101 2,378

55-75 73 1,008 63 1,144

75+ 119 232 32 383

Total 284 5,265 290 5,839

Plateau

0-14 11 430 22 463

15-24 3 188 6 197

25-54 43 774 19 836

55-75 6 550 13 569

75+ 41 159 13 213

Total 104 2,101 73 2,278 [Source CASAS ABS 2006 Census Table B17]


Provision of Unpaid Assistance Provided to People with Disabilities At the 2006 census, 1,225 people were caring for persons with a profound disability. 885 persons did not state the assistance they provided. There are 41 young carers between the age of 15 and 19 years, and 64 carers over the age of 75 years.

Unpaid Assistance Provided to of People with a Disability

Age of Carer Assistance provided

Assistance not stated

No assistance provided

Total Persons

15-19 41 104 626 771

20-24 32 25 318 375

25-34 90 58 706 854

35-44 242 80 1,325 1,647

45-54 326 102 1,695 2,123

55-64 297 114 1,324 1,735

65-74 133 141 1,020 1,294

75-84 53 171 558 782

85+ 11 90 180 281

Total 1,225 885 7,752 9,862 [Source ABS 2006 Census CASAS Table B20] [NB Category relates to carer not person with disability]

Community Profile 2008 - Bellingen Shire€¦ · Bellingen Shire Council Community Profile 2008...

Documents

Transcript of Community Profile 2008 - Bellingen Shire€¦ · Bellingen Shire Council Community Profile 2008...